Man Utd Wonderkid JJ Gabriel is ‘Special’ and About to Explode

Manchester United’s academy hasn’t been producing the talent it once did in recent years, but there is one exception to the rule currently coming through the system and he is creating a lot of excitement behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

JJ Gabriel grew up in London before joining the Red Devils’ academy in 2022, where he has gone from strength to strength and cemented his wonderkid status.

The forward only turned 15 years of age in October, but he is so highly-rated that he had been tipped to make Man United’s FA Cup third round squad last month, a competition in which he is available for selection unlike in the Premier League.

Then-manager Darren Fletcher decided against it, but it seems like only a matter of time – or months – before we do see JJ Gabriel in a red shirt for the first team.

JJ Gabriel Steals the Show vs Oxford

United caretaker manager Michael Carrick travelled to the Kassam Stadium on Wednesday night to watch Fletcher’s Under-18s in action against the U’s, and he would have been impressed with JJ Gabriel.

As well as showing his creativity, the 15-year-old scored on the stroke of half-time in the 4-1 FA Youth Cup win, while he came close to netting again just after the interval as he saw his brilliant curling effort saved for a corner.

Journalist Ollie Holt was certainly impressed having also been there to see the teenager live, posting on X:

Gabriel’s strike against Oxford made it 16 goals in 21 appearances for United’s U18s this season, which is a remarkable feat given he turned 15 four months ago.

Premier League Rules Prevent JJ Gabriel Debut

While United may have ideally wanted to involve JJ Gabriel in a Premier League squad this season, they have been unable to because of Premier League rules.

To appear in a matchday squad in a specific season, you must have turned 15 years of age by August 31 of that campaign.

Gabriel didn’t celebrate his birthday until October, which means he needs to wait until 2026-27 before he potentially gets the opportunity to make his first Premier League appearance.

With United knocked out of the FA Cup, it will be August earliest that the 15-year-old could make United’s lineup.

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