JJ Gabriel sends two eye-catching messages after missing out on Man Utd debut

JJ Gabriel has posted two messages that show his character as he waits for his Manchester United debut.

The highly-rated youth star was left on the bench during Friday's 5-0 pre-season victory over Rosenborg.

The 15-year-old was included in Michael Carrick's senior matchday squad for the first time, raising hopes among supporters that one of the club's brightest academy prospects would make his unofficial first-team debut in Trondheim.

Instead, Gabriel watched the entire match from the bench as Carrick opted against introducing the teenage forward.

It was a decision that sparked frustration among many United fans eager to see the academy sensation in senior action but at the same time it makes sense for Gabriel not to be pushed too quickly.

And rather than showing any disappointment, Gabriel demonstrated the mentality that has helped make him one of the most highly-rated youngsters at Carrington.

After the final whistle, the teenager posted a picture of his No.77 Manchester United shirt on Instagram alongside a simple one-word message: "Patience."

It was a mature response from a player who does not turn 16 until October and is already regarded as one of the finest talents to emerge from United's youth system in recent years.

Last season he scored an astonishing 29 goals across the Under-18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup despite competing against players up to four years older than himself.

His performances have seen supporters clamouring for him to be fast-tracked into the first team, and his inclusion in the travelling squad to Norway only fuelled expectations that his debut was imminent.

However, Gabriel wasted little time proving he had put the disappointment behind him.

He went on to play in United's U21s' friendly against Burnley and showed his talent with a goal and an assist.

After the match he posted another update on Instagram, writing: "45 mins. U21s," accompanied by emojis indicating his goal and assist.

It was exactly the response Carrick will have wanted to see.

The United head coach has already shown the faith he has in the youngster by inviting him to train regularly alongside the senior squad, allowing him to learn from experienced professionals while continuing his development.

Carrick has also previously urged patience when discussing Gabriel's future, insisting the club will not rush one of its biggest academy prospects.

Back in March, he said: "He's not allowed, he's too young. JJ is a big talent, it's pretty obvious to know that and he's had a really good season for the Under-18s.

"We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important in managing everything that comes with that and working with him in development as we do with all the different younger players and picking the right moment to step up.

"What he's done when he's trained, he's done well as you'd expect and it's good to have the younger players come up with us."

There will be plenty more opportunities for Gabriel to make his first-team debut this summer as United face subsequent friendlies against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds and AC Milan.