JJ Gabriel has progressed further up the ranks at Manchester United
JJ Gabriel celebrates during his competitive debut for Manchester United U21s
JJ Gabriel celebrates during his competitive debut for Manchester United U21s(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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JJ Gabriel has given Michael Carrick a timely reminder of his quality as the Manchester United youngster presses his case for a Premier League appearance.
Following Saturday's abject defeat at Hull City, Carrick saw a much more heartening performance on Monday night as the under-21s thrashed Ipswich Town 5-0 at Leigh's Progress with Unity Stadium. The forward, still only 15, stole the show with a goal and two assists on his competitive debut for the U21s, despite being dwarfed by several Ipswich players.
If United's stuttering start to the season continues, Carrick may be tempted to draft him into the first-team squad earlier than expected. The United boss has already seen enough to invite him to train with the team last season and then take him on the recent pre-season tour.
As he was 14 when last season began, he was unable to play for the first team in the Premier League. There are now no such restrictions and it would be a surprise if he doesn't figure for the first team at some stage this season.
Speaking about the youngster in March, Carrick said: "He is not allowed [to be part of a first-team squad on a matchday]. He's too young.
"JJ's doing really well. We've got some really good players in the academy and we try and get the younger players up [with the main group] as much as we can.
"We're always trying to give them that exposure. JJ is a big talent, it is pretty obvious and he has had a good season for U18s. We think an awful lot of him.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United in action during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town
Gabriel held his own against much bigger players(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"But patience is important in managing everything that comes with that and developing him and picking the right moment to step up, to leave them in a certain place. He's trained well and it is good to have young players up."
The chances of Gabriel, who turns 16 in October, graduating to the first team could rest on the transfer business United get done over the final week of the transfer window.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has plenty to ponder after United's defeat at Hull(Image: Getty Images)
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After a bright start to the summer, with Youri Tielemans among the arrivals, progress stalled somewhat, leaving fans fearful that the momentum made under Carrick over the second half of last season is being lost.
There has at least been progress in recent days, with long-time target Carlos Baleba on his way from Brighton for £70million. He could be followed to Old Trafford by another Seagulls player in left-back Ferdi Kadioglu. There are also calls for United to add to their attacking options.
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