United face Brighton in cup amid Gabriel exit saga

Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed their starting lineups for an EFL Cup third-round match at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. The fixture is overshadowed by the absence of 15-year-old prospect JJ Gabriel, who has requested to leave the club, and the inclusion of forward Benjamin Sesko for the hosts. United head coach Michael Carrick has made eight changes to the team that lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend. Karl Darlow starts in goal, while Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazraoui come into the defense. Midfielder Andrey Santos and forward Sesko also start, with Youri Tielemans captaining the side. Bruno Fernandes is among the substitutes. The most notable omission is Gabriel, who was expected to be involved but has asked to cancel his registration with the club's academy. The teenager is not in the matchday squad. Reports indicate United fear he could leave for nothing to join a European club when he turns 16 next month. One report suggests he will join Real Madrid, though this has not been independently confirmed.