The new shirt number for Manchester United's "Little Messi" has been revealed! Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are still keen on poaching him, while Carrick refrains from excessive praise.

Manchester United are fully committed to keeping their youth star Gabriel (JJ Gabriel) this summer. BBC's Simon Stone includes him, along with Shea Lacey, the Fletcher brothers Jack and Tyler, Harry Amass, Radek Vitek, and Jacob Devaney, as the young Reds to monitor this summer. Gabriel has confirmed his involvement in pre-season training by posting a photo of himself in the new training kit on social media.

It is reported that Gabriel will receive a new first-team squad number for next season. Last year, he wore the number 95, setting a record for the highest number in the Premier League era. For the 2026/27 season, his number will be reduced to 77 for official matches.

Meanwhile, Gabriel continues to attract interest from Europe's top clubs. Despite being only 15, he already carries the nickname "Little Messi," and his idol is Brazilian star Neymar, making him potentially drawn to the two La Liga giants.

Last week, Manchester United signed scholarship agreements with 15 academy youngsters, including Wayne Rooney's eldest son Kai Rooney, manager Carrick's son Jesse Carrick, Jaume Camacho Sidós, Conor Lawrie, and Gazik Ibragimov. However, Gabriel, at 15, is not yet eligible to sign such a contract.

Gabriel currently holds a youth contract with United, valid until 2027. However, due to his father's background, the young talent has Irish nationality, and with Brexit, Ireland remains an EU member, meaning Gabriel can choose to transfer as soon as he turns 16.

His birthday falls in October, making next year a critical juncture for United to retain him. At that point, United can only offer him a scholarship deal, with a professional contract possible after he turns 17. However, European clubs can attempt to poach Gabriel from United as early as January next year, using FIFA's EU exception clause.

The British newspaper *The Sun* reports that top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, are closely monitoring Gabriel's situation. Barcelona previously invited him to visit the club, where he met and took photos with Yamal. This summer, Gabriel has also engaged with Barcelona legends like Busquets and Szczęsny.

To keep Gabriel, United must ensure his development path. According to sources, Carrick and the coaching staff will accelerate his training, integrating him into regular first-team sessions and potentially giving him match opportunities. Especially during pre-season, with many World Cup internationals absent, Gabriel may make his debut.

During the break, Gabriel has been training hard to build his physique, jokingly saying he wants to become a "muscle-bound beast" like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United's first team assembled on Thursday, with English players Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount, last season's new signings Mbemo and Šeško, rising stars Leny Yoro and Ethan Heaven, and those not in the World Cup squad like Patrick Dorgu and Joshua Zirkzee all returning to Carrington. Manager Carrick, assistant coaches Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans arrived before 9 a.m. Carrick's car also carried his son Jesse Carrick.

Gabriel was not among them. A United source said the club remains determined to protect him from excessive media attention that could lead him astray. In the past, many Red Devils youth talents have been changed by fame and money, failing to reach their potential.

Though he may feature for the first team, the young Gabriel will mostly play for the U18 side, with his immediate goal being a U21 debut. Adam Lawrence is expected to continue as Manchester United U21 head coach this season, though negotiations are not finalized. He has already returned to Carrington this week to prepare the team for the new Premier League 2 season.

After the 2024/25 season, Lawrence resigned as United U18 head coach and took over as Newcastle's U21 coach. However, he left after three months. A few weeks later, former United U21 boss Travis Binnion joined Carrick's first-team coaching staff, and Lawrence returned to United as U21 manager, leading the team to the playoff final, where they lost to Brighton.

Because he was under 15 before the start of last season, Gabriel was not eligible to play for the United first team in the Premier League or in U21-level youth competitions. However, all age restrictions have now been lifted, and he is free to participate in any matches.