Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel could be about to get his first opportunity to showcase his talent in professional football, made more likely by Michael Carrick.
After a generational U18 campaign, JJ Gabriel has been fast-tracked into the first-team this summer under Michael Carrick, a reward for his fine form and talent at the age of just 15.
Gabriel travelled to face Rosenborg but was an unused substitute alongside Jim Thwaites.
He would have been disappointed by this, but Gabriel responded on the pitch by scoring and assisting in just 45 minutes on his debut for the U21s last Saturday.
This week, Carrick has shown that Gabriel is absolutely in his plans, and this has led to his chances of a debut against Atletico Madrid being boosted.
Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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JJ Gabriel involved in smaller Manchester United first-team squad vs Atletico Madrid
Earlier this week, Gabriel was named as a first-team option for Carrick alongside just three other academy players, who have all made multiple senior appearances already.
This saw Gabriel remain in first-team training despite the group being trimmed of several academy names. Now, Gabriel has travelled to Stockholm for United’s friendly against Atletico.
In just a 23-man squad, United have taken just 18 outfield players, which would mean Carrick intends for a handful of players to play 90 minutes, while Gabriel will be one of seven outfield substitutes.
This makes his debut feel a lot more likely than it was last week, involved in a much smaller group, outlasting several other academy players who are all older and more experienced, highlighting how good Carrick believes he is.
A debut for Gabriel against Atletico would be a baptism of fire against one of Europe’s best, and it would be the test that truly tells Carrick how ready he is to take on the mantle of first-team football this season.
To take him again and not give the youngster minutes despite such a small group of players feels unlikely, so this could be the weekend that Gabriel announces himself to the world, and worryingly, La Liga’s big guns.
JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United will hope JJ Gabriel excels
Despite United platforming Gabriel, he has yet to commit to the club in the long-term.
Next summer, Gabriel could depart Old Trafford, and Ineos should be doing everything to retain him. In these efforts, Gabriel excelling this weekend is in the best interests of United.
If he plays and does well, it makes it a lot easier for Carrick to realistically give him more minutes and chances once the proper season starts, which will do wonders in convincing the talent that he is best served committing his future to United.
With Barcelona a rumoured club keen on Gabriel, they will surely be watching this weekend to see if he is able to play and impress. But United holds the cards, and if given the right pathway, Gabriel should be staying at United.
It would be a huge statement and make him a proper option for United for the 2026/27 campaign.