​[Getty Images]It is a reminder of JJ Gabriel’s age that if he had featured in either of Manchester United’s official under-18 matches so far this season, he would still have been their youngest player.Gabriel is not 16 until October, but made his first appearance for United’s senior side as a substitute in the friendly victory over Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on 1 August.He has trained regularly with Michael Carrick’s squad and marked his Premier League 2 debut against Ipswich last Monday with a spectacular goal and two assist in the 5-0 win.If, for instance, he featured in the EFL Cup third-round encounter with Brighton next month, he would become Manchester United’s youngest player.The only issue appears to be Gabriel’s size as he was dwarfed by the Ipswich defenders.There is a debate in fan circles about what his pathway looks like, which is why I felt it was fair to ask Carrick, who was at Leigh Sports Village for the game, what his future looks like.”I really enjoyed the game,” he said. “You could see the quality.”JJ is one of the boys. He’s obviously got a really big talent. He’s trained with us quite a bit and is getting experience all the time.”He’s physically adapting to each step that he makes, and we’re just continuing his development.”