Manchester United fans might finally get to see their 15-year-old wonder kid in action this pre season. JJ Gabriel has been making serious waves at Carrington, and his inclusion on the pre season tour shows Michael Carrick has him in his plans.
Why JJ Gabriel Could Not Play for Manchester United Last Season
Despite scoring 21 goals in 23 games for the under-18s last season, Gabriel was legally not allowed to step onto the pitch for United's first team. Because he was only 14 years old at the start of last season, he wasn't allowed to make a senior appearance.
Gabriel is fully cleared to play in the Premier League next season, meaning he could become one of the youngest players with a Prem appearance ever.
If Gabriel does get his chance, he will be looking to replicate the success of other academy graduates at the Premier League Youth Awards. Arsenal's Max Dowman recently claimed the Home Grown Debutant of the Season award after breaking into the senior team at just 15 years old and becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Why This Pre-Season Could Be Gabriel's Big Opportunity
The youngster is expected to get a run out in United's pre season tour across Europe. Getting some minutes under his belt will help him get comfortable under the lights.
With the Premier League season starting a week later than usual and many of United’s stars will be recovering from the World Cup, the door is wide open for youth players to step up and catch the manager's eye.
The Red Devils have struggled with finding attackers who are consistent, but Cunha and Mbuemo seem to click under Carrick. So it might be now or never.
He will probably get a lot of minutes in the earlier small games but could earn some pitch time against Paris Saint-Germain or Atletico Madrid by the end of the pre season tour.
Michael Carrick Has Already Shown His Faith in Gabriel
Carrick invited the youngster to train with the senior squad on several occasions last season to give him exposure to the speed of the professional game.
Speaking about the 15-year-old earlier this year, Carrick made his feelings very clear: "JJ is a big talent, it is pretty obvious and he has had a good season for U18s," he noted. "We think an awful lot of him".
However, Carrick also stressed the need for patience to manage expectations and ensure the player's development isn't rushed. If Rashford ends up staying at Barcelona that'll be one less problem for the 15-year-old to worry about to get game time.
If Gabriel can handle the physical step up and shine during the upcoming European tour, a historic competitive debut at Old Trafford might not be too far away.
