It feels as though Gabriel is at that ‘in-between’ point Giggs mentions just now.
Aside from the first game in Helsinki, Gabriel was a feature of all United’s pre-season trips this summer.
Yet he played just once, as a late substitute against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm when his first involvement led to him being clattered from behind by Uruguay skipper Jose Maria Gimenez, who, at 31, is twice Gabriel’s age.
United have posted plenty of footage of Gabriel training with the first team this season and having a joke with fellow forward Benjamin Sesko. As Carrick says, the youngster is “one of the boys”.
There was a view Gabriel may be given his first-team debut in the EFL Cup third round, which would make him Manchester United’s youngest ever player, beating goalkeeper David Gaskell, who was 16 years and 19 days when he made his senior bow. Gabriel is not 16 until 6 October.
However, as United have had a tricky start to the season results wise, and play Premier League opposition in Brighton at Old Trafford on 16 September, is that practical?
Champions League games offer 11 substitute places, rather than nine in domestic competition. Does that mean he could be involved against Sabah FK on Thursday? Given he did not train with the first team on Wednesday, possibly not.
Is the Under-19 Uefa Youth League – a competition United’s academy is prioritising after pulling out of the EFL Trophy and National League Cup this season, and for which last season’s FA Youth Cup final squad are eligible – a more appropriate stage?
Gabriel would have been looking to a Premier League 2 Manchester derby at City on Saturday evening, but that game has been postponed because of United’s various Thursday European commitments.
Thirty-five years ago, Giggs was content when Ferguson blocked media from talking to him.
There was no social media or digital forums. Expectation, discussion and demands now are huge and cannot be silenced.
Those close to Gabriel clearly have their own idea of what his future should look like.
United’s last Premier League 2 game before the international break is against Brentford at Leigh on 18 September. After that, England’s various age group teams have their matches to play.
Gabriel’s own abilities are creating the pathway. The big question is, where does it lead?