Manchester United will look to bounce back from their Premier League defeat to Manchester City as they face Brighton in the Carabao Cup.

Manchester United host Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. Michael Carrick had planned to name 15-year-old JJ Gabriel in his matchday squad, but the teenager has shockingly requested to leave the club.

Carrick's United haven't started the season in flying form. An opening day 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City was quickly forgotten about with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town. But a disappointing 2-2 draw against Everton came next, followed by a 4-0 win over Sabah FK in the Champions League, then a derby-day defeat against Manchester City.

United failed to score and were held off by the 10-man City on Sunday at Old Trafford, with questions now being asked about the squad. Wednesday evening gives Carrick's side the perfect chance to bounce back in the Carabao Cup against Brighton.

Fans had hoped they might see Gabriel on the teamsheet, with the 15-year-old touted as one of the club's most promising young talents. But that now seems unlikely. Mirror Football takes a look at this bombshell and more news coming out of United.

JJ Gabriel's request

United have been left in a state of shock after Gabriel, who was likely to be handed a spot on the bench and could even have made his competitive debut against the Seagulls, has asked to leave.

Gabriel's request emerged on Tuesday afternoon and it is understood he refused to train with the club in an attempt to quit. He would have become United's youngest-ever player if he had officially debuted against Brighton. Club chiefs have been left bamboozled by the decision and are unsure what exactly has caused this demand to leave. Gabriel has been with United since the age of 11.

However, the club feels the situation is rectifiable. It is understood Gabriel cannot be deregistered, despite his request. He can't sign a professional contract until he turns 17, or a scholarship agreement until he turns 16, but under current rules, he is registered to United until at least the end of this season.

Director Jason Wilcox had to jump in when Gabriel asked to leave the club in 2025 and he was convinced to stay. Gabriel could move abroad when he turns 16 as he has an Irish passport. Barcelona hold a firm interest in the starlet, although clubs in both Germany and England are sure to be on high alert.

Wayne Rooney questions transfer

Elsewhere, United legend Wayne Rooney has questioned Carrick and the club's summer transfer decisions, specifically the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

Speaking on Stick to United after the City loss, Rooney said: "We need to be a bit more clever with the players we're bringing in. What I don't understand is that we've signed [Youri] Tielemans and Santos and then we signed [Carlos] Baleba, who I think is a good signing.

"But then you've got Santos on the bench. So then, when Baleba is fit, is Tielemans gonna go to the bench? Is [Kobbie] Mainoo gonna go to the bench?

"Then you'd have two players you've brought in [benched] or one of your younger players who has probably been United's best player over the last couple of games in Mainoo, on the bench.

"If that's the case, if Carrick doesn't fancy Santos for whatever reason, that signing has still been made, so why has that money not been used on full-backs or another striker?"