JJ Gabriel sent a one-word message to Manchester United fans after being left on the bench during Friday's 5-0 pre-season win over Rosenborg. The 15-year-old forward, included in Michael Carrick's 25-man squad as a late replacement for Ethan Wheatley, posted a photo of his new away kit laid out in the dressing room with the caption: "Patience".
Gabriel was one of two outfield players who did not feature in Norway, alongside 18-year-old midfielder Jim Thwaites and backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton. Thwaites had previously made a senior appearance in a post-season friendly against Hong Kong last year, but Gabriel's wait for his first-team debut continues.
“Man Utd teen JJ Gabriel posts 'patience' after being unused substitute in Rosenborg friendly”
The teenager acknowledged the setback on social media after the match. His Instagram story showed a picture of himself flanked by Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu during a walk around Trondheim. It follows an earlier post after missing out on the squad against Wrexham, where he wrote: "The longer you wait for something, the more you appreciate it when you get it because anything worth having is worth waiting for."
Carrick also gave game time to Chido Obi and Dermot Mee, both of whom had been omitted against Wrexham. Gabriel's next opportunity could come against Atletico Madrid next weekend, though his chances may diminish if Ethan Wheatley returns or Benjamin Sesko recovers from a shin injury. United have further friendlies in August against Leeds United, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, but the most likely debut window may be the League Cup third round. The club decided not to enter the EFL Trophy or National League Cup this season due to their return to the UEFA Youth League.