Man Utd kid Shea Lacey aims cryptic swipe at JJ Gabriel’s wish to leave Old Trafford as he makes first senior start

SHEA LACEY appeared to aim a cryptic swipe at Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel after the 15-year-old asked to leave Old Trafford.

posted a picture of himself wearing United colours on X on Tuesday night alongside a simple red heart emoji.

seemingly innocuous post caught the eye because it came just hours after news broke that and his representatives had formally requested for United to cancel his registration.

And the timing prompted suggestions Lacey was making a subtle show of loyalty to the club as uncertainty swirls around the future of one of Carrington’s brightest prospects.

Lacey then went on to start United’s Carabao Cup game against Brighton.

has become one of the most talked-about youngsters in English football after a spectacular rise through United’s academy, earning the nickname “Kid Messi” for his dazzling ability.

The 15-year-old enjoyed a stunning campaign last season, scoring 26 goals in 26 appearances across United’s youth sides and becoming the youngest winner of the club’s prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

Gabriel has continued to impress this term, including hitting a hat-trick on his Uefa Youth League debut, and has also spent time training with United’s senior squad.

But his future at Old Trafford has now been plunged into doubt after his camp asked for his registration to be terminated, amid concerns surrounding his pathway into senior football.

United remain keen to keep the teenager.

Fixtures Results Table

Friday 18 September

Brentford

20:00

EPL

Chelsea

Saturday 19 September

Spurs

12:30

EPL

Villa

Brighton

15:00

EPL

Arsenal

Everton

15:00

EPL

Ipswich

Newcastle

15:00

EPL

Hull

Forest

17:30

EPL

Coventry

Monday 14 September

Sunday 13 September

Saturday 12 September

English Premier League Pld Pts GD W D L Form

1

4

12

7

4

0

0

2

4

12

6

4

0

0

3

4

8

4

2

2

0

4

4

8

3

2

2

0

5

4

7

8

2

1

1

6

4

7

1

2

1

1

7

4

6

3

1

3

0

8

4

6

2

1

3

0

Lacey knows all about making the journey from Carrington towards the first team.

The Liverpool-born attacker has been regarded as one of United’s leading academy prospects for years despite having his progress disrupted by injuries.

The England youth international made his senior United debut last season and has continued to push for greater first-team involvement.