JJ Gabriel watched closely by Michael Carrick as he trains with Man Utd first team

JJ Gabriel has been watched closely by Michael Carrick during a first-team training session.

The 15-year-old is one of the brightest prospects at Manchester United with his skill on the ball and shooting. He has started in both of United’s FA Youth Cup wins this season and Carrick watched the 2-1 extra-time win against Derby County at Old Trafford last month.

Ruben Amorim added Gabriel to his training squad for two sessions before his latest call-up by Carrick.

The United Under 21s played at West Brom on Monday night, so senior academy players were unavailable for United’s senior session on Tuesday.

Shea Lacey also continues to shine with a hat-trick in the 5-1 win by the U21a and the 18-year-old was an unused substitute in United’s 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday.

The United first team had Monday off and Tuesday was a recovery day for the players who started in the Fulham match.

United are wary of interest from Barcelona in Gabriel and they have started to grant him more first-team experience at their Carrington training complex.

Amorim and United director of football Jason Wilcox had already taken measures to ensure Gabriel remains settled at the club.

Gabriel, who does not turn 16 until October, is not able to sign a professional contract until his 17th birthday.

The playmaker scored his first Old Trafford goal in the Youth Cup win against Peterborough United in December and United Under 18 coach Darren Fletcher said “the world’s his oyster”.

Meanwhile, United youngster Jack Moorhouse is returning to the club after Leyton Orient cut his loan spell short.

Former United academy graduate Dylan Levitt has joined the League One side so Moorhouse’s minutes would have been restricted. Moorhouse made 20 appearances for Orient in England‘s third tier but he only completed 90 minutes twice.