JJ Gabriel debut: What we learned as Man Utd starlet, 15, faced gritty Atletico defence

JJ Gabriel's first touch showed him what is come after he made his debut for the Manchester United first team against Atletico Madrid.

He came off the bench during Saturday's 2-1 pre-season victory over Atletico in Stockholm.

The 15-year-old cam on for the closing stages of the contest as he and Jim Thwaite became the latest academy graduate to be handed an opportunity by Carrick as United continued their preparations for the new season.

Although Gabriel was only on the pitch for the final eight minutes, supporters were finally given a glimpse of one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Carrington in recent years.

His introduction came after he remained an unused substitute against Rosenborg and he wrote a telling message on social media afterwards: "Patience."

This time, however, Carrick handed Gabriel his opportunity against one of Europe's toughest defences.

And having his first touch, he was quickly shown what he can expect in the future as he was then met with a robust challenge from experienced Atletico Madrid defender Jose Maria Gimenez, sending the youngster tumbling to the turf.

It was an early reminder of the intensity of first-team football, but Gabriel responded impressively. He quickly got back to his feet and carried on unfazed.

Initially operating in a central attacking role, Gabriel found opportunities difficult to come by before drifting towards the right flank, where he enjoyed more space to influence the game.

There were understandable signs of nerves as he miscontrolled a couple of passes from Mason Mount, but the teenager settled into the occasion.

One positive run saw him cut inside before his shot was blocked, while he also linked up neatly with Leny Yoro in one of United's more fluid attacking moves late in the game.

Gabriel's willingness to keep demanding possession was another encouraging sign, and he almost won a late penalty after being knocked over inside the area by a much more physically imposing defender.

It was only a brief cameo, but it represented another significant milestone in the remarkable rise of a player who is still just 15 years old.

Last season, Gabriel announced himself as one of the country's elite academy prospects by scoring 29 goals across the Under-18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup despite competing against players several years older than himself.

His performances earned him the Under-18 Premier League Player of the Season award and accelerated his progression into first-team training.

Carrick has repeatedly urged patience when discussing Gabriel's development, insisting the club will not rush one of its brightest young talents despite the growing excitement surrounding him.

For a teenager who would ordinarily be preparing to begin his GCSE studies later this year, making his United debut against Atletico Madrid was another extraordinary step on what many hope will be a long and successful journey at Old Trafford.