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Fletcher is probably the best judge though given he has worked with him all season, deciding initially to pick him in a false nine position to give him more space.
He is more natural out wide but Fletcher and others are of the view he is better suited currently to a central position, so his physicality does not become a disadvantage.
"I couldn't speak highly enough of JJ," said Fletcher, when asked for his verdict in January.
"He's got an amazing family and amazing support around him.
"He's somebody we're delighted to have at the club.
"There's a lot of noise around him and deservedly so because he's a real talented kid.
"He works hard. He loves football. He loves training and playing and he loves expressing himself.
"He has a bright future ahead of him and I'm super excited by his talent. But the most important thing is that he keeps developing because he still has lots to learn."
This is true, as it is of any player.
But there are also milestones.
Wayne Rooney was at Old Trafford, along with Carrick, as his son Kai was an unused substitute in the game.
Rooney made his senior debut for Everton at 16. He became England's youngest player when he made his debut against Australia in 2003, aged 17 years and 111 days.
When the 2026-27 season begins on 22 August, Gabriel will be 15 years and 320 days. Although the specific dates are yet to be confirmed, when United enter next season's EFL Cup, it will be before his 16th birthday, even if, as seems certain, they do not enter until the third round stage as a European qualifier.
Currently, United's youngest ever player is David Gaskell, a goalkeeper who made his debut when he was 16 years and 19 days. Legendary England international Duncan Edwards (16 years, six months, four days) is third on the list. Angel Gomes is the youngest to play for United in the Premier League era (16 years, eight months, 20 days).
Norman Whiteside (17 years 08 days) is United's youngest scorer. Federico Macheda was 17 years, seven months, and 14 days when he scored his memorable winner against Aston Villa. He is still United's youngest Premier League scorer.
Some of those names are proof that being the youngest to achieve something offers no guarantees. Equally, there are others for whom it was genuine confirmation of a rare talent.
For now, Gabriel will carry on doing his thing at the Under-18s. There is plenty for him – and his team-mates – to achieve.
But it won't be long before his chance at senior level comes. And that is something many are looking forward to.
