Manchester United are on the verge of making history as 14-year-old talent JJ Gabriel is taking the Carrington academy by storm and could become the youngest player ever to feature for the first team. Although Gabriel will not turn 15 until October 2025, the young striker has already caught the attention of fans with his outstanding performances for the U18 team.
Under coach Ruben Amorim, this strategist is famous for his policy of giving opportunities to young players. Gabriel is considered to be capable of breaking the 1956 Man United first team record held by David Gaskell (playing at the age of 16 years and 19 days), especially in cup matches next season.
JJ Gabriel, full name Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, has been signed by Man United since 2021. The young striker quickly joined the U18 team in April this year, when he was only 14 years old. In his debut match, Gabriel scored against Stoke City in a 4-0 win. In the next match, he came off the bench and scored twice in 25 minutes as Man United won 13-1 against Leeds United.
Gabriel (right) and Ronaldo's son signed a youth training contract together with Man United
The Manchester Evening News has praised the young talent, noting that it is rare for a 14-year-old to be promoted to the U18s. Gabriel has progressed through the U16s and is being pushed to a bigger challenge in order to maximise his potential.
MEN describes Gabriel as a "real star in the making" and has been nicknamed "Kid Messi" by the online community after clips of his technical prowess went viral and caught the attention of many top European clubs.
Not only shining at club level, Gabriel has played for England U15 team and signed a long-term contract with Nike, proving the potential for development when being interested by a big brand.
Gabriel in Man United U18 shirt
Gabriel's rise is also testament to United's illustrious youth development tradition, which has seen more than 250 first-team players emerge. However, managing a gem like Gabriel requires caution.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Man United are planning carefully to avoid putting too much pressure on the young player. A place in the FA Cup or League Cup next season is being considered, with the aim of not only breaking Gaskell's record but also challenging the Premier League record held by Ethan Nwaneri (15 years 181 days - Arsenal).
Under coach Amorim, the trust in young players is shown through the introduction of Chido Obi (17 years old), Ayden Heaven and Harry Amass (both 18 years old).
Obi made his debut against Tottenham and has gone on to make five more appearances in the Premier League and FA Cup, while Amass has featured in five of his last nine Premier League games and two in the Europa League.
However, experts still warn that premature expectations and media pressure could negatively affect Gabriel's development, a talent that needs to be cherished and oriented so as not to waste the opportunity to become a future star.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/than-dong-14-tuoi-va-co-hoi-viet-nen-lich-su-cho-man-united-196250519171527935.htm
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