{"id":263126,"date":"2026-09-17T19:45:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T19:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/17\/forget-lacey-man-utd-have-agreed-a-deal-to-sign-jj-gabriels-replacement\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T19:45:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T19:45:11","slug":"forget-lacey-man-utd-have-agreed-a-deal-to-sign-jj-gabriels-replacement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/17\/forget-lacey-man-utd-have-agreed-a-deal-to-sign-jj-gabriels-replacement\/","title":{"rendered":"Forget Lacey: Man Utd have agreed a deal to sign JJ Gabriel’s replacement"},"content":{"rendered":"

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There aren\u2019t many industries around the world that would see a 15-year-old dictate to them what they want, but that is exactly the situation in which Manchester United<\/a> find themselves in.<\/p>\n

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Academy star JJ Gabriel has shocked many supporters and club members after deleting all of his social media posts and claiming he wants to leave the Red Devils.<\/p>\n

Such a decision has undoubtedly been driven by the youngster\u2019s father, and his demands have now put his long-term future at Old Trafford into huge jeopardy.<\/p>\n

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\n <\/picture>Action Images\/Andrew Boyers<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

As a result, the recent antics could halt his progress in Manchester and result in a move away, which could hand one other young talent the opportunity to star under Michael Carrick<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Why Shea Lacey could be the next academy star at Man Utd<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

United\u2019s academy has been known to create an endless conveyor belt of talent over recent years, which has seen various youngsters make the jump from the youth setup to the senior ranks.<\/p>\n

Winger Shea Lacey could well be the next academy star to make his mark on the first-team, with Carrick seemingly already a big fan of the Northern Ireland international.<\/p>\n

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\"Shea-Lacey-Man-Utd-Brighton\"\n <\/picture>Action Images via Reuters\/Jason Cairnduff<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The 19-year-old had made six senior appearances prior to Wednesday night, with the manager deciding to start the teenager for the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s safe to say the youngster took full advantage of the opportunity handed his way, as he fired home the opener after jinking past his man before firing past Jason Steele at his near post.<\/p>\n

Such an effort was his first for the Red Devils, whilst he also produced some impressive underlying figures which saw him win two fouls and complete two dribbles.<\/p>\n

The opposition often failed to live with the attacker\u2019s direct and pacey nature within forward areas, with Carrick\u2019s men looking a whole lot less threatening after his withdrawal.<\/p>\n

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Shea Lacey – stats against Brighton<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

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Statistics<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

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Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Minutes played<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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66<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Touches<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

39<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Pass accuracy<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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84%<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Goals scored<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Dribbles completed<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Tackles made<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Duels won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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60%<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Fouls won<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Undoubtedly, his tender age will have to see the club manage his expectations, but there\u2019s no reason that the teenager can\u2019t play a vital role in the club\u2019s hopes of success in the future.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n How United have signed the dream Gabriel replacement<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Despite Lacey\u2019s showing against Brighton last night, many United fans will still believe that Gabriel is still the club\u2019s biggest prospect within the academy ranks.<\/p>\n

However, his recent antics over the past week may have burnt his bridges in Manchester, which could massively impact his chances of being trusted in the first-team.<\/p>\n