Manchester United fans are likely to get their first glimpse of JJ Gabriel with the senior team against Rosenborg, but it makes Michael Carrick’s Chido Obi decision vs Wrexham a bit puzzling.
Nobody can fault Michael Carrick for not giving the youngsters a chance against Wrexham.
In fact, the youngsters stole the show in the second half, when an entirely academy XI bossed Wrexham, much to the delight of Carrick.
That young squad is set to get an injection of star dust with JJ Gabriel after he was named in the travelling squad for Rosenborg, but at what cost?
Man Utd have CONFIRMED the squad travelling to face Rosenborg!
JJ Gabriel is IN!
JJ Gabriel replaces Ethan Wheatley in Man Utd squad
Gabriel was always going to come into the squad for this game after he missed the Wrexham game because it came too soon after his return to training.
Carrick will hand a monumental first appearance to a youngster who has been the toast of United’s academy since he was 14.
He replaces Ethan Wheatley in the travelling squad, who had a largely ineffectual 45-minute appearance against Wrexham.
Wheatley was a willing runner and tried to stitch play together, but looked every inch like the player who struggled in League One and League Two on loans.
Having signed a contract at Old Trafford till 2028, with the option to extend for another year, it would be a huge surprise if he didn’t go out on loan again this season.
His performance against Wrexham, his standing in the squad, and being replaced by Gabriel all combine to make Carrick’s decision to play him against Wrexham puzzling, especially because of the player he got the nod over.
Chido Obi shouldn’t have been snubbed for Wheatley
Now that Wheatley has been replaced by Gabriel, and with more senior internationals on the way back, it’s safe to assume that he has played his first and last pre-season game for the club.
Would you give Chido Obi another chance in the first-team?
He's improved a lot for Manchester United…
It is puzzling, therefore, why Carrick decided to give him the nod over Chido Obi, who can easily claim a stake in the first-team picture with a good pre-season.
Unlike Wheatley, the boat hasn’t sailed for Obi, especially after a chastening last season where he improved immensely.
Those 45 minutes could have been better used on Obi, as he’s a player with long-term upside and brighter prospects at the club.
It sounds harsh on Wheatley, but Carrick’s decision could have backfired for the player as well. Imagine he picked up a knock or missed a huge chance, lowering his stock or preventing him from earning a loan move.
Carrick needlessly risked a player who’s likely on the way out, instead of platforming a player who could realistically be a part of the first-team squad this season itself.
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