Manchester United star JJ Gabriel has been on the brink of breaking into the first team for some time and it looks like the teenager could finally be on the verge of making his first-team debut.
JJ Gabriel is yet to make a first-team appearance (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United wonderland player J.J. Gabriel is set to make his long-awaited first-team debut in the Red Devils’ match against Rosenborg. Michael Carrick’s side face Norway on Friday in their second pre-season friendly of the summer.
It is expected that a team similar to the one that lost 1-0 to Wrexham will be named, although there are some differences. Gabriel, 15, took part in United’s latest training session at Carrington on Monday and is being considered for inclusion in the squad heading to Norway.
The teenager wrote on Instagram after the defeat to Wrexham: “The longer you wait for something, the more you will appreciate it when you get it, because anything worth having is worth waiting for.”
Gabriel has been part of United’s youth team since 2022 and has steadily progressed through the ranks. In 2025, he will become the youngest player to represent the club’s Under-18 team, and has been given regular opportunities to train with the first team.
He had another great season last season, scoring 26 goals in 29 appearances for United’s youth team last season, helping them reach the FA Youth Cup final. Gabriel has yet to make his first-team debut due to player age regulations, but will be able to sign a professional contract when he turns 17 next October.
Of Gabriel last season, Carrick said: “He’s not allowed[to make his debut]and he’s too young. He’s doing really well, JJ.”
“We have some really good young players in our academy and we try to get as many young players up (in the first team) as possible. We always try to give our players those opportunities and make sure they come to training and get a feel for it.”
The United manager added: “JJ is a great talent and that’s no surprise, but he had a really good season with the Under-18s.”
Gabriel trained with Man United’s first team ahead of the match against Rosenborg (Image: Getty Images)
“We obviously care a lot about him, but patience is key in managing everything that comes with that and working with him on his development as we would with any young player and choosing the right time to step up.”
“What he’s done in practice, he’s done as well as you would expect. It’s good to have young players come with us.”
Apart from Gabriel, United have upgraded their youth ranks in recent days by completing the signing of Tynan Thompson from Spurs for £4m plus add-ons.
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