JJ Gabriel made his senior debut for Manchester United on Saturday, coming off the bench in the 82nd minute of a 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Atletico Madrid in Stockholm. Bryan Mbeumo scored twice for Michael Carrick's side.
Carrington is one of England's premier academies and the conveyor belt of talent into United's first team seems never-ending. But few have promised so much at such an early age as Gabriel. The London-born phenom joined the club aged 11, and even then he was being touted as a star of the future after videos of him playing went viral. Having trained with Carrick's first team on occasion last season, he was given his uncompetitive senior bow on Saturday.
Physicality flagged as main concern
Gabriel did not feature for long, only being introduced in the 82nd minute with United leading 2-1 thanks to a Bryan Mbeumo brace. Even though it was a fleeting cameo, the national media have sung his praises, whilst agreeing that one thing needs to be worked on.
The Athletic said: "There were no real surprises: excellent technique, pace, little if anything in the way of one-on-one defence and a slight physique that needs plenty of development to cope with senior football."
The Telegraph mirrored those concerns, writing: "But he was also on the receiving end of some physical challenges – something he will have to grow accustomed to the more he plays at senior level."
Other academy prospects impress
Gabriel was not the only prodigy on show in Stockholm. Shea Lacey played a starring role and The Daily Mail was quick to commend Jim Thwaites in equal measure.
"There is huge excitement around Gabriel, who doesn't even turn 16 until October. The youngster dubbed Kid Messi looked eager to get on the ball and finally got his chance in the 90th minute," read a report. "Faced with three defenders, Gabriel twisted and turned in the Atletico penalty box and saw his shot blocked. Moments later, he tried again but was forced to the ground."
The Daily Mail added: "United fans will be hoping to see plenty more of Gabriel and also Thwaites, a gifted 18-year-old midfielder, in future and this was just the start."
