Manchester United have an incredible track record at producing the best young players, but the latest prospect to excite fans in the academy is JJ Gabriel.
Aged 15, JJ Gabriel has ‘world-class’ potential after showcasing his ability in Manchester United’s Under-18s side this season.
Stepping up to an older age group hasn’t prevented the young forward from dominating defenders, who are often four years his senior. That explains why Gabriel is now seen as one of Carrington’s most promising products.
Gabriel received praise from Rio Ferdinand, which means he is now attracting attention from some of the best players to have played for United. That should only encourage him to kick on and continue his development at Old Trafford rather than elsewhere.
United will work hard to keep Gabriel at the club because a talent like his will have no shortage of offers from other big clubs around Europe.
Man Utd have high hopes for JJ Gabriel
It may be too soon for Ruben Amorim to give Gabriel his professional debut, but that did not stop the youngster from training with United’s first team this week.
That is a strong suggestion that the first team coaches are now paying closer attention to Gabriel and whether he can break through in the coming years.
Gabriel will only improve by playing with and against professionals, although he still has plenty of time to play youth football before facing competitive fixtures at the senior level.
The season started when Gabriel was 14, but he still became a regular member of Darren Fletcher’s U18 squad.
Fabrizio Romano claims that United coaches believe Gabriel is the best player in the academy right now.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano said: “Manchester United also have a gem in their squad. And in the last 24 hours, he was already training with the first team. He’s called JJ Gabriel.
“He’s an offensive player who is scoring a lot of goals with the under 18s. And it’s not just about scoring goals. He’s also a quality player with big potential, a player wanted by several clubs. I can reveal to you that last summer, JJ Gabriel was a target for a European giant ready to try to hijack the new contract for JJ Gabriel at Manchester United. But then United and especially Jason Wilcox has been able to change the situation and to keep the player at the club. And so JJ was happy to sign a new deal, at Manchester United.
“Now, what I can tell you is that JJ Gabriel is training with the first team, is going to be part of the long-term project.
“And Manchester United are already planning a future with the boy in terms of contract. So Manchester United are really working hard on this.And Sir Jim Ratcliffe a few days ago said the academy is really important. JJ Gabriel is probably seen as the best talent in the Manchester United academy right now.”
JJ Gabriel stats this season
Gabriel has enjoyed a bright start to the 2025/26 season in United’s academy.
The 15-year-old has scored seven goals in his opening six matches, which prompted the call from Amorim for him to train with the first team.
If Gabriel can continue scoring at that rate, it will be only a matter of time before he gets a chance to perform with the U21s.
The only way is up for the youngster.
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