Man Utd U21 preview: JJ Gabriel faces a physical test as starlets face Ipswich

JJ Gabriel will continue his amazing progress this season with the U21s and all eyes will be on him when they face Ipswich Town on Monday.

The 15-year-old is eligible to play for the first team this campaign and we will find out how many chances he gets from Michael Carrick.

But he is likely to mainly feature for the U21s having stepped up from the U18s where he dominated last season, scoring 29 goals and establishing himself as one of the most highly rated youngsters in the country.

It will be a test for him in an older age group but he has already played for the U21s during pre-season and recently produced an eye-catching performance, scoring and assisting after coming on in a behind-closed-doors fixture.

That came shortly after he had been named in Carrick's first-team squad for the friendly against Rosenborg, although he remained an unused substitute.

The U21 level will provide a challenge as he will be up against players who are up to six years older than him and so physically far more developed.

At U18 level, Gabriel's ability to beat defenders, create chances and finish attacks often separated him from his opponents. The U21s will test whether he can reproduce those qualities against stronger and more experienced players.

United have already shown they are not afraid to accelerate his development and they are wary knowing that top clubs from around Europe, especially Barcelona, are following him and will try and snatch him when he turns 18.

At the moment United are doing all they can to keep him happy by giving him chances to progress.

Gabriel will dominate the headlines, but he won't be the only player worth watching.

Cristian Orozco is another player who comes with a lot of expectation. The Colombian midfielder scored in the U21s' 5-0 friendly win over Aston Villa and showed his ability to dominate the centre of the pitch as well as get into attacking positions.

Chido Obi remains an important attacking player after scoring twice in a recent U21 friendly against Ipswich.

There are questions over Obi's future, though, particularly after he has struggled to make an impact when given opportunities with the first team.

Dan Gore provides experience in midfield, while Shea Lacey could also feature when his first-team commitments allow.

Lacey's performances during pre-season have already pushed him further into Carrick's thinking.

The U21s are effectively the final stage before senior football, making this an important season for several players.

For some, it will be about forcing their way into Carrick's plans. For others who fail to shine it could mean they are moved out on loan to gain experience or maybe sold.

With Gabriel they are trying to establish whether physically he is ready to step up and he can compete with players a lot older.