Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has hinted that he will join the club's senior squad for their pre-season tour this summer. The 15-year-old forward, who scored 23 goals in 23 league matches for the Under-18s this season, took to Instagram after being named Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year to say: 'See you in pre-season.'
The Manchester Evening News previously reported that United are keen to provide a pathway to the first team for Gabriel, and including him on the tour underscores their belief in his abilities. The youngster has already trained with the senior side on several occasions.
Interim manager Michael Carrick, who is expected to sign a two-year permanent deal, has spoken highly of Gabriel's potential. In March, Carrick said: 'He is not allowed [in a first-team matchday squad]. He's too young. JJ's doing really well. We've got some really good players in the academy... JJ is a big talent, it is pretty obvious... But patience is important.'
United's pre-season schedule begins with a match against Wrexham in Finland on July 18, followed by a trip to Norway to face Rosenborg, and concludes against Atletico Madrid in Sweden on August 1. With several first-team players expected to be away at the World Cup, opportunities may arise for emerging talents like Gabriel.
