Carrick calls up United's 'Little Messi' for training, potential debut ahead! £8m new signing could also feature.

According to Manchester United's official training images, 15-year-old youth striker Gabriel (JJ Gabriel) was already part of the first-team training on Monday. Carrick is leading the team ahead of Friday's second pre-season match in Norway against Rosenborg, and the youngster, known as 'Kid Messi', might make an appearance.

Compared to the 25-man squad that lost 1-0 to Championship side Wrexham last Saturday, the number of players training has significantly increased. Gabriel was pictured doing hurdle drills with Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven for fitness work. It remains to be seen whether the England youth international striker will be selected in Carrick's traveling squad to Trondheim.

However, judging from last season, Gabriel is considered to have a chance to get first-team minutes. He scored 26 goals in 29 appearances last term, helping United's youth team reach the finals of the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League Cup, though they lost both and ended up empty-handed. Nevertheless, Gabriel was named the U18 Premier League Player of the Season and also won United's U18 Player of the Year award.

Last week, Gabriel did not report back to Carrington and was granted an extended holiday. However, the young talent posted on his social media: 'The longer you wait, the more you appreciate it when you get it. Because anything worth having doesn't come easy.'

This summer, Gabriel undertook special training to build muscle mass, preparing for his promotion in the new season. He certainly won't feature regularly for the first team, but he will appear more often for the U21 side. Last season, because he was still under 15 before the campaign started, Gabriel was not eligible to register for the Premier League, nor even meet the age requirement for U21 football! Now, he is eligible for any competition, and it's all up to Carrick to decide.

Gabriel's father, former Republic of Ireland international Joe O'Shea, cheered him on, commenting on social media: 'Gabriel is no longer small. Height doesn't matter at all. Last season he was only 1.70m tall, yet he still controlled the game. At the World Cup, the England team learned that height and strength don't win you matches. It's all about football skills, willpower, and natural talent. The best players in the world are technically perfect.'

Due to his age, Gabriel has not yet signed a professional contract. He will only be able to do so after his 17th birthday in October 2027. La Liga champions Barcelona have shown strong interest in Gabriel, inviting him to visit the Camp Nou. His biggest idol is the club's legendary player Neymar. This summer, Gabriel also spent some time in Barcelona.

Therefore, United need to give Gabriel first-team opportunities to convince him to stay. The 'Little Messi' of the Red Devils has a chance to set the club's record for youngest competitive appearance. Currently, goalkeeper David Gaskell holds that record at 16 years and 19 days. Gabriel turns 16 on October 6th, meaning if he plays in the Premier League or EFL Cup before the end of October, he would break the record. United start their League Cup campaign in the third round, which takes place between September 7th and 14th, giving Gabriel a potential chance to feature.

Apart from Gabriel, another interesting point of focus for United is whether new £8m signing Tynan Thompson, dubbed 'Tottenham's Rashford', will play in the second friendly. He was also pictured in training.

The Red Devils' World Cup internationals are still absent, and €85m striker Šeško's shin injury has not yet fully healed, leaving opportunities for Gabriel, Thompson, and Zirkzee to showcase themselves.