Manchester United have had a request granted by the Premier League, while a tactical change in the club's academy is set to benefit prospects aiming for the first team. The developments come as Michael Carrick's squad prepare for a crucial weekend in the Premier League, facing local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
U21 squad adopts Carrick's system
United's academy prospects have been handed a boost to their hopes of breaking into the first team, with the club's U21 squad now mirroring Carrick's system. Under the fresh strategy, U21 coach Adam Lawrence has switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The plan being implemented during Carrick's spell will provide all academy prospects with a more seamless transition to the first team, as players will already understand the requirements of their position. The Daily Mail reports that the squad have also adopted Carrick's use of a false nine, replicating the manager's deployment of Matheus Cunha.
Impact on young players
There are suggestions that Chido Obi's loan departure and academy forward Louie Bradbury's move to Stoke City could indicate a long-term shift away from playing with orthodox strikers. Meanwhile, the tactical change will enable 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel to study Bruno Fernandes' role as he becomes established in the U21 squad.
Carrick has kept a close watch of the academy teams since rejoining United at the start of the year. JJ Gabriel was among the youngsters to play for the first team during pre-season, and a rule change during the manager's tenure is poised to advantage academy prospects hoping to progress.
Premier League request granted
The Premier League have acted on appeals from United and fellow clubs by agreeing to reveal their festive fixture list. The Red Devils campaigned for the league and broadcasters to reach an earlier verdict on which matches would be shown on television in December, giving fans additional time to make arrangements.
The Daily Mail reports that United held discussions with senior Premier League and broadcast representatives to request that the details be released more than a month earlier than the previous year. The confirmation that the club would host Newcastle on Boxing Day in 2025 was announced on October 31.
It is understood that the Football Supporters Association participated in discussions regarding bringing the announcement forward to assist fans with travel arrangements. All matches were originally listed as 3pm kick-offs on Saturday, December 26 but were subject to change.
It has been confirmed that United will host Nottingham Forest on Sunday, December 27, with a 4.30pm kick-off. They will also play Sunderland under the floodlights at Old Trafford in a 7.30pm game on Wednesday, December 30.
