JJ Gabriel, 15, scored a second-half lob and provided two assists as Manchester United’s Under-21s beat Ipswich Town 5-0 in their Premier League 2 opener, with Michael Carrick watching from the stands.
Gabriel made his first competitive start at Under-21 level and helped set the tone early on, finding Victor Musa inside three minutes. He later laid the ball off for Jaydan Kamason to score before adding his own goal with a lob over Ipswich goalkeeper Woody Williamson.
Jack Fletcher and Dan Armer also scored as United built a 4-0 half-time lead before Gabriel completed the scoring in the second half. Ipswich finished with 10 men after Leon Elliott received a second yellow card.
Carrick watches from the stands
Carrick watched the match from the stands alongside assistant Steve Holland, days after United’s defeat at Hull City. Gabriel’s display came after his senior appearance from the bench in the pre-season friendly win over Atletico Madrid.
Premier League safeguarding rules mean Gabriel would not be able to use the first-team dressing room if he were included in a competitive matchday squad. The same rules meant he prepared separately before his appearance against Atletico Madrid.
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Gabriel’s progress at United
Gabriel has been told he is going nowhere during the closing days of the summer transfer window. Against Ipswich, the 15-year-old contributed a goal and two assists in his first competitive Under-21 appearance.
He spent the summer training with Manchester United’s first-team players, while Marcus Rashford has been mentoring him as he works towards a potential first-team debut.
United’s Under-21 selection
United Under-21s boss Adam Lawrence did not include Dan Gore, Diego Leon or Toby Collyer in the matchday squad against Ipswich. Collyer was also overlooked while the club searched for buyers in the final days of the transfer window.
The result gave United’s Under-21 side a convincing start to their Premier League 2 campaign, with Gabriel among the key contributors in the win over Ipswich.