Forget JJ Gabriel, Tynan Thompson & three more Man Utd youngsters should feature vs Brighton

Manchester United’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton is a golden opportunity for Michael Carrick to include some academy stars in his matchday squad.

It seems JJ Gabriel was set to debut for Manchester United against Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup this week.

But shockingly, Gabriel has asked to leave United, leaving the club stunned. The cup clash felt like the perfect opportunity to keep the club’s promise of a first-team pathway to the 15-year-old.

But as far as Michael Carrick is concerned, the United boss can still use the cup tie as a golden opportunity to showcase four other youngsters on the club’s books.

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Five Man United youngsters who should feature vs Brighton

There are still four exciting youngsters who could realistically make an appearance at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.

Tynan Thompson

In the 2026 summer transfer window, United signed Tynan Thompson for £4m from Tottenham.

Thompson has impressed in the academy, but he was signed to break into the first team in a similar fashion to Ayden Heaven after his £1m move from Arsenal.

While United have strong depth at left wing through Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha, the Brighton game could be a great chance to rest both players and give Thompson his debut.

Harry Amass

United’s left-back position has been a dilemma this season. Luke Shaw’s performances have been hot and cold, and everyone knows the 31-year-old cannot cope with playing twice a week.

Patrick Dorgu played at left-back against Manchester City, but Harry Amass was kept at United this summer because he was seen as valuable depth in defence.

If United blocked Harry Amass from leaving, then he deserves first-team minutes when they are available. Amass impressed against Sabah in his only appearance so far this season, and he deserves another opportunity.

Ayden Heaven

It is easy to forget sometimes that Ayden Heaven is still just 19 years old.

Heaven already has 25 first-team appearances for United, and he has been an unbelievable addition to the squad for just a £1m transfer fee to Arsenal.

This season, though, Heaven’s only minutes have come in the 2-0 defeat to Hull City in United’s Premier League opener.

Heaven is considered the future of United’s defence, so it would be fantastic to see him get more experience against Brighton this week.

Shea Lacey

This summer, Shea Lacey was outstanding in pre-season, and it has propelled him up Carrick’s pecking order for the 2026/27 season.

Lacey featured against Hull City and Sabah this season, but still only has 28 minutes under his belt this campaign.

The Brighton fixture is a great chance for the 19-year-old to get more minutes, and there is an added narrative through Lacey’s red card vs Brighton last season. It’s time for redemption.