JJ Gabriel is still inciting excitement across the Manchester United fanbase, but Michael Carrick would have loved one of his latest acts
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United warms up ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Rosenborg and Manchester United at Lerkendal Stadion on July 24, 2026 in Trondheim, Norway
JJ Gabriel is getting closer and closer to the Manchester United first team(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Nobody can doubt JJ Gabriel's raw talent at Manchester United - but what about his character?
At the age of 15, United fans are already counting down the days until he becomes a permanent fixture in the first team. And who could blame him? Last season, up against players four years his senior, many of whom have already physically developed, Gabriel made them look silly.
Despite not even being old enough to sit GCSEs, he helped himself to 29 goals across games in the Under-18s Premier League and FA Youth Cup. Things are moving so fast. He would have hoped to have taken to the pitch for the first team in the friendly against Rosenberg in Trondheim, but Michael Carrick opted not to take him off the bench.
Whether Carrick intended it, this was an early test of maturity and mentality for Gabriel. Responding to set-backs like being rooted to the pitch is part of being a top footballer, particularly one where the competition is as deep as it is at United.
After featuring for United's U21s in a friendly clash against Burnley U21s, Gabriel made it clear he is even more motivated to rocket into the first team. On Instagram, he uploaded a picture of the friendly match with the caption: "45 mins. U21s," alongside a battery emoji, a football emoji and the letter A emoji.
The latter two were inserted to tell his followers he contributed a goal and an assist in the clash. It was another statement display for Gabriel, who was up against young players as many as six years older than him.
JJ Gabriel Instagram story of a football pitch with Manchester United U21s and Burnley U21s
Gabriel uploaded this post to his Instagram story after his goal and assist against Burnley U21s(Image: Instagram/jjnr10)
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Carrick will be very happy to see his reaction to the disappointment. Considering his involvement in Norway, Gabriel would have believed his first minutes with the senior team were within reach.
Instead of sulking, he took any frustration out on the Burnley youngsters, which is exactly what any top level player should be doing. Carrick is well aware of his talent, having also included him in first team training with United's top stars.
The United manager would have been equally pleased to see Gabriel do his talking on the football pitch. Last season, Gabriel was too young to play in the Premier League and does not turn 16 until October.
Bryan Mbuemo, JJ Gabriel and Jaydan Kamason of Manchester United applaud the fans after the pre-season friendly match between Rosenborg and Manchester United at Lerkendal Stadion on July 24, 2026 in Trondheim, Norway
Gabriel is edging closer and closer to the first team(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Carrick made this clear back in March, when asked if he was considering giving Gabriel some official minutes with the first team. At the time, the United boss said: "He's not allowed, he's too young. JJ is a big talent, it's pretty obvious to know that and he's had a really good season for the Under-18s.
"We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important in managing everything that comes with that and working with him in development as we do with all the different younger players and picking the right moment to step up.
"What he's done when he's trained, he's done well as you'd expect and it's good to have the younger players come up with us."