Manchester United’s future is looking brighter than ever after some moves to secure the best young talent in the country, but retaining them is equally as important.
The club took a big step forward in that regard recently, tying down JJ Gabriel’s future before securing a new deal for Jayden Ngwashi.
Gabriel has been dubbed ‘mini Messi’, an unheard-of hype for a 14-year-old who has a long way to go yet.
However, his starting steps in youth football have seen him live up to it, and he’s now sent his first message since committing to the club.
General view outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Ipswich Town FC at Old Trafford
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
JJ Gabriel makes four-word promise at Man Utd
JJ Gabriel’s star quality and potential have been spoken about in excited tones ever since he came onto the youth academy scene at Carrington.
Gabriel was the subject of exit rumours last season, which probably prompted United to fast-track him and give him minutes for the U18s side as a 14-year-old, breaking records in the process.
He scored straightaway and looked the part against players much older than him, which is why his commitment to the club was such a coup.
Riding on the high of having a full-time deal, Gabriel has posted a four-word promise at Man Utd on Instagram, saying, “Things are different now”.
More United News
He added pictures of himself training before the season, one that promises to be a breakout campaign for him after signing his contract.
He’s likely to become a permanent member of the U18s squad next season. If he continues to impress like he did at the end of the last season, then he could create history by playing for the U21s as well.
Ineos’ youth efforts are paying off
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that were it not for Ineos, Gabriel would have left the club this summer.
Jason Wilcox was credited as a key figure behind convincing Gabriel to commit to the club, and he was successful because of how well the vision has been realised so far.
Youngsters at Man Utd now know that United don’t make empty promises about giving opportunities, having seen the likes of Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi flourish after betting on themselves and joining the team.
Age is not a barrier to breaking out if the player proves himself as good enough, and Ruben Amorim’s reputation at Sporting also helps.
It is only up to Gabriel now how soon he can crash the first-team picture; he is ineligible right now, anyway, but he can be certain that once he’s eligible, his age won’t hold him back.
Youth. Courage. Success.