JJ Gabriel came off the bench for Manchester United in their third pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, making his first appearance in a senior matchday squad at the age of 15. Wearing the number 77 shirt, the teenager entered the action with United in front.
The 25,000 fans in attendance greeted his arrival with one of the loudest roars of the afternoon. He shared an embrace with Bryan Mbeumo as he came on and produced several eye-catching moments, with a couple of teammates wrapping an arm around him in congratulations at full-time.
Shaw steps in to shield Gabriel
After the final whistle, Luke Shaw made sure to protect Gabriel from the media as they left the arena. The left-back, more than double the age of the 15-year-old, quickly moved across to put himself on the inside, shielding the youngster from the small group of journalists in the mixed zone. A press officer was on hand as they passed, though nobody was going to stop the teenager for a first interview.
The gesture underlined the excitement Gabriel has already generated among United's senior players. For the past month, pre-season had been building towards this first sighting of him in a first-team set-up.
A significant step
This was not a competitive debut, but it was a major step for Gabriel, who had been a travelling reserve in Trondheim the previous week. With many senior stars returning to training late after the World Cup, this was the opportunity for him to face more established and physical opposition.
Another group of senior players, including Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha, are due back next week, adding to the competition in attack. But there could be more chances for Gabriel before then.
Low-key trip to Stockholm
The match was played in front of United's biggest crowd of the summer so far, though the Strawberry Arena was only around half full. The squad's stay in Stockholm was brief, lasting less than 24 hours. After a later-than-usual departure from Manchester, they checked into their hotel near the port at almost 9pm and left straight after the game, leaving little time for fan interaction.
United travelled with an unusual squad, featuring four goalkeepers and 19 outfield players. In the end, three of the keepers were unused, and one was always unlikely to get on.
Bayindir's likely farewell
Altay Bayindir was one of the travelling goalkeepers. While the rest of the squad went to the dressing room after arriving at the stadium about an hour and 45 minutes before kick-off, Bayindir remained on the pitch for an individual training session lasting around an hour. He invited a couple of ball boys to help with a kicking drill and posed for photos with them - a classy touch they will remember for a long time.
Bayindir then changed and spent the game in the stands behind the bench. He is unlikely to play for United again, with negotiations underway with Celta Vigo over a season-long loan and at least one club interested in a permanent transfer.
While Bayindir's future points away from Old Trafford, Gabriel's points firmly towards it. The 15-year-old has taken another significant step on a path that appears destined for the top.
