JJ Gabriel has become one of the most exciting young talents in the country this season, and now Michael Carrick has spoken out about his development.
This week has seen JJ Gabriel back in first-team training, something which is becoming a bit of a weekly occurrence these days with Michael Carrick taking a closer look.
The 15-year-old has been so good that Bryan Mbeumo has even hailed Gabriel’s ability, admitting that he is a very special talent, clearly impressed with what he has seen.
Now, Carrick has become the latest first-team figure to give his verdict on the U18 standout attacker.
JJ Gabriel walking in Manchester United kit.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo has been blown away by JJ Gabriel…
But how excited are you by the youngster's breakthrough at Manchester United? What are your expectations?
JJ Gabriel
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What Michael Carrick thinks about JJ Gabriel
Back in January, Darren Fletcher spoke about Gabriel while he was the caretaker manager, insisting patience for the teenager and saying he wasn’t yet ready to debut.
Now, Carrick has spoken to the media as broadcast on MUTV ahead of this weekend’s visit of Aston Villa, and he’s been asked about Gabriel.
“JJ is a big talent. It’s pretty obvious to know that, and he’s had a really good season for the under-18s.
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“We obviously think an awful lot of him. But patience is important in managing everything that comes with that.”
Carrick’s stance on Gabriel is ideal, as he isn’t pinning pressure on the teenager, instead shielding him to insist there needs to be patience with a lot of attention in unwanted ways being directed to the wonderkid.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Carrick confirms Manchester United cannot play Gabriel in Premier League
Gabriel was raised in the press conference with a question over whether Carrick would include the 15-year-old in a match-day squad this season.
United in Focus revealed in May 2025 that Gabriel cannot make his debut until August 2026 due to his age. But now Carrick has confirmed this.
“He is too young [due to Premier League rules]. He’s doing really well, JJ. We’ve got some really good young players in the academy, and we try to get the younger players up as much as we can, and the 21s are kicking off in 25 minutes as well, so we’re looking forward to finishing this and going to watch them. I’d much rather be here, I must say.”
It does feel like a matter of time, with Marcus Rashford excited by Gabriel, showing how talented he is.
Very exciting to see how his next 12 months turn out.
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