Manchester United are set to include promising youngster JJ Gabriel in their pre-season tour squad this summer. The club is determined to demonstrate to Gabriel that a route into the senior squad exists, with his inclusion on tour representing another vote of confidence in his enormous potential.

Gabriel has netted 21 times in 23 outings for the Under-18s this campaign and has already participated in first-team training sessions on multiple occasions, with Michael Carrick hailing him as a “big talent.” In recognition of Gabriel’s abilities, it’s expected that the teenager will be part of United’s touring contingent, which will feature more youth prospects than usual, owing to the World Cup.

United are preparing to tour Europe this summer, with discussions continuing to confirm a schedule encompassing trips to Scandinavia and additional European destinations

Traditionally, United have designated the opening week of July as the initial week of pre-season preparations at Carrington. This year, the World Cup will take place between June 11 and July 19.

Gabriel has not progressed to the Under-21 level this campaign because he was 14 when the season started. United could have faced sanctions for fielding Gabriel in the U21s side due to his age at the campaign’s outset, so it was decided that he would play exclusively U18s football this term.

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United are nurturing Gabriel by featuring him in the U18s whilst promoting him to first-team training with increasing regularity. The gifted youngster only turned 15 in October.

Gabriel might already have been named in a senior Premier League matchday squad this season had the regulations been different. As Gabriel was 14 in August, he is banned from appearing in the top flight, though the FA Cup allows teenagers to participate.

However, United were eliminated from the FA Cup by Brighton at the first opportunity. Darren Fletcher was in caretaker charge for that fixture, and he was questioned about whether Gabriel could feature during the build-up.

Fletcher smiled, saying: “Well, he could be, but he’s not going to be because obviously anybody could be picked. But JJ is a fantastic talent. I’ve enjoyed working with him immensely, getting to know him.

“He’s a young lad with a massive sort of hype, you know there’s a lot of noise around him and deservedly so because he’s a real talented kid. He works hard. First thing I’d say is he loves football.

“He loves training, he loves playing, he loves having the ball, he loves expressing himself. He makes fantastic decisions. “He’s just got an enthusiasm for the game that’s just amazing.

“15-year-old, a bright future ahead of him. I’m super excited by his talent, but the most important thing is that he keeps developing, and he’s in the U18 team, and he’s doing fantastically well, but he’s still got lots to learn.

“The world is his oyster and he just needs to go on his journey and his time will come in due course. But for just now, it’s a little bit early I think, and I think a lot of people would agree with me.”

United welcomed Gabriel and his family into the Old Trafford directors’ box for the opening fixture of the campaign against Arsenal. He later met Ruben Amorim at Carrington.

The head of United’s academy, Stephen Torpey, recently acknowledged his enthusiasm regarding Gabriel, adding: “We have some special talents right now in our groups, and JJ is one of those, for sure.”