JJ Gabriel impressed again as the Manchester United youngster shone for the Under-21s against Man City, as Kai Rooney suffered defeat for the Under-16s on the next pitch over. Michael Carrick was in attendance but would've missed Gabriel's masterclass after watching son Jacey in action for the Under-16s.

Whilst Carrick's son Jacey suffered defeat in the Under-16s derby alongside Rooney, 15-year-old Gabriel helped Darren Fletcher's Under-18s narrow the gap on City in Premier League 2.

Following a closely contested first half, Gabriel opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a clinical finish into the bottom left. There is a huge buzz at Old Trafford around the forward, whose dad is former Republic of Ireland international Joe O'Cearuill, and his performance on Saturday will no doubt set more tongues wagging.

Former Arsenal star Obi, who was given a taste of first-team experience last season, also stood out as United defeated their rivals. The exciting striker was on target as United ran out 3-1 winners and linked up impressively with Gabriel, setting up his opener in the 66th minute before doubling United's lead with just six minutes remaining.

Fletcher's team had surrendered a two-goal advantage at the interval to suffer a 4-2 defeat in the earlier meeting back in September, but thoroughly earned their victory on Saturday morning as Jim Thwaites put the match to bed after City's Tyrone Samba had grabbed one back in the 86th minute.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

United's youngsters closed the gap to just a single point behind table-toppers City as a result of the victory, though their neighbours hold three matches in hand following their involvement in the Youth League across Europe.

Carrick, who was watching the match on the other pitch, will no doubt receive feedback from Fletcher on Gabriel and co's performance. The 15-year-old can't make his first-team debut yet due to Premier League rules stipulating that players must have turned 15 by the start of the 2025/26 season to be eligible, but United believe the promising academy talent can be a key star for the future.

The United interim boss has already called him up for first-team training. Ruben Amorim had also done the same when he was in charge. Carrick's son Jacey, 15, and Rooney Jr, 16, meanwhile, didn't enjoy as good a day as they featured in the U16s' 4-2 loss on the adjacent pitch.

The match took a turn late on when the referee branded two red cards - one apiece - following a late scuffle that left City's Alfie Turley nursing a bloodied nose. Whilst attention remained firmly on the U18s' encounter, a sudden flurry of whistles drew eyes towards Turley, who trudged towards the touchline with blood pouring down his face before receiving his marching orders.

Silva Mexes netted a double to keep United competitive, though his efforts were overshadowed by Scottish youngster Caelen Cadamarteri, who bagged a treble alongside Sami Ominyi's strike for City. Following the final whistle, first-team boss Carrick turned his attention to the closing stages of the U18s' match before obliging fans with photographs.

The 44-year-old then strolled across the grass to offer his congratulations to former interim manager Fletcher on securing the derby victory.