Carrick cautions United on handling JJ Gabriel after Stockholm debut

Michael Carrick has warned Manchester United to protect 15‑year‑old JJ Gabriel after the teenager made his senior debut in a pre‑season friendly at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena, where United beat Atletico Madrid 2‑1. The warning, echoed by talkSPORT host Angelina Kelly, stresses the club must not rush the prodigy despite his impressive youth record.

Gabriel entered the match against Atletico Getty, coming off the bench for Bryan Mbeumo with less than ten minutes remaining. The appearance came on Saturday as United secured a 2‑1 win over Atletico Madrid at the Strawberry Arena.

TalkSPORT host Angelina Kelly lauded the teenager, saying: “He’s been absolutely brilliant so far. It was 23 goals in 23 games for United’s U18s (last season), he’s good with the assists as well, he’s just a really exciting talent.”

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Kelly then warned United to handle Gabriel carefully, citing Chido Obi‑Martin as a cautionary example. “United brought Chido Obi‑Martin from Arsenal and everyone was expecting absolute fireworks. It hasn’t quite clicked just yet, and we probably introduced him a little bit too early,” she said.

Michael Carrick appears to back Gabriel, suggesting the midfielder could earn competitive minutes in the upcoming season. The youngster arrived on tour after being named U18 Premier League Player of the Season, having scored 23 goals in 23 games and three in the FA Youth Cup. His endorsement adds weight to the conversation about the teenager’s integration.

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United’s pre‑season has rebounded from a 1‑0 loss to Wrexham with a 5‑0 thrashing of Rosenborg BK and the win over Atletico. The next three fixtures are against Paris Saint‑Germain on August 8, Leeds United four days later and AC Milan on August 15 before the Premier League opener at Hull City.

Fans can follow the tour on MUTV, which broadcasts all United pre‑season fixtures across Finland, Norway, Sweden and Ireland, offering a chance to see new faces, returning names and early tactical clues. The service provides live coverage of each match as the club prepares for the new campaign.