Manchester United are to take the rare step of appealing a red card at under-18s level.
Darren Fletcher’s Manchester United under-18s side are pushing for success in two different cup competitions.
United have now reached the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup, after winning a dramatic quarter-final 4-3 away at West Bromwich Albion.
Next week United face Oxford United in the FA Youth Cup, looking to book a place in the quarter-finals.
But there is a small problem for United’s preparations, following a red card to playmaker JJ Gabriel in the win over West Brom.
Sum up JJ Gabriel in one word…🔥
JJ Gabriel red card
JJ Gabriel provided two assists to help Manchester United’s young side take a 4-0 lead in the game. West Brom staged a fightback, falling short with United holding out for a 4-3 win.
Gabriel was shown a red card in the second half, which will incur a three-match suspension.
This would ruled him out of United’s upcoming FA Youth Cup tie at Oxford, to played on February 18.
However, BBC Sport reports that United intend to appeal against the red card.
Gabriel was involved in a coming together inside the centre circle with an opponent off the ball, and was shown a red card.
The teenager uploaded a clip to his Instagram page, showing that he felt the decision was incredibly harsh.
He wrote: “How can this be a yellow let alone a red how?”
United are backing the youngster by lodging an appeal, clearly agreeing with the youngster’s assessment of the harsh red card.
Darren Fletcher was very angry when Shea Lacey was sent off for the first team in January, and he is likely to be feeling very strongly about Gabriel’s sending off too.
JJ Gabriel’s rise could be key to another FA Youth Cup win – but which other Man Utd talent are you excited to see in action?
Manchester United have won the FA Youth Cup 11 times – more than any club in history!
JJ Gabriel now a regular at Under-18s level
JJ Gabriel is only 15, and is a regular for Manchester United at under-18s level.
Gabriel is top scorer at under-18s level with 13 goals and also leads the team with five assists.
He has started both previous FA Youth Cup rounds this season, scoring the winner against Peterborough.
United have enough talent to progress in the next round without him, but they would clearly rather have him available if there is a chance.
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