Manchester United have called up five academy players to train with the first team ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The youngsters, including 15-year-old striker JJ Gabriel, joined the senior squad at Carrington on Wednesday as the team prepares for the lunchtime kick-off.
Among those involved was Jack Moorhouse, who recently returned from a loan spell at Leyton Orient. The midfielder has previously been part of four matchday squads, including against Tottenham last year, and was an unused substitute for Europa League ties with Lyon and a home draw with Arsenal. Tyler Fletcher, son of former United player Darren Fletcher, was also spotted in training.
Full-back Yuel Helafu, 17, remained with the main group when other youngsters moved to a separate part of the session later in the day. Forward JJ Gabriel, who is ineligible for Premier League games due to his age, has scored 11 goals in 16 academy appearances this season and is highly rated at the club.
Interim manager Michael Carrick's presence is seen as a boost for the club's youth development. Carrick, whose son plays for the Under-16s, has been praised for his understanding of the club's tradition of promoting young talent. This contrasts with previous manager Ruben Amorim, who faced criticism for his comments about young players feeling entitled.
A source told The Sun: 'Carrick has been a regular at the training ground following the progress of his son. He is a lovely welcoming guy who always has time for everyone. Parents were appalled by Amorim’s comments.'
