JJ Gabriel scored a 22-minute hat-trick for Manchester United's under-18s on Saturday afternoon, and fans are already calling for the 14-year-old to be fast-tracked into the first team
Manchester United's JJ Gabriel during the Under 18 Premier League between Manchester United U18s and Middlesbrough U18s at Carrington Training Ground on August 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.
JJ Gabriel continued to excite Manchester United fans with his performance at the weekend
(Image: Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images)
14-year-old goalscoring prodigy JJ Gabriel is making serious waves at Manchester United, with supporters urging for the 'star boy' to be promoted to the first team as soon as possible and to be 'protected at all costs'.
The young Red Devil left fans in awe with his performance in Saturday's under-18s Premier League match, where United claimed a 4-0 victory over Derby County. The teenager netted a hat-trick within 22 minutes, scoring in the fifth, 14th and 27th minutes to fire his side into a 3-0 lead before the half-hour mark.
Amir Ibragimov, 17, scored the other goal from a penalty in the 66th minute, but all eyes were on young Gabriel. Supporters took to social media to hail the young forward's weekend performance, with one predicting he will become United's new star boy following Alejandro Garnacho's move to Chelsea.
They said: "Chelsea took our egotistic Garnacho away, but La Carrington is cooking another starboy, his name is JJ Gabriel, bagged a hat-trick today. He's just 14!"
Another fan said: "How did I forget my star boy JJ Gabriel? Invest your stocks now!" while a third added: "JJ Gabriel has a hat-trick in 27 minutes for Manchester United Under 18's against Derby. He is 14 years old. Protect him at all costs."
With growing demands for the Old Trafford hierarchy to "protect" the young player, it appears the top brass are way ahead and have already taken action. Gabriel secured his future with United this summer and is expected to remain at Old Trafford until he reaches 16, when he becomes eligible to sign a professional contract with the club.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their team's third goal during the U18's Premier League match between Derby County and Manchester United at Moor Farm Training Centre on August 30, 2025 in Derby, England.
The youngster scored a 22-minute hattrick on Saturday(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
As revealed earlier this month, the teenager, nicknamed 'Kid Messi', is set to be called up to first-team training this season. Gabriel and his family were recently introduced to Ruben Amorim, while the highly-rated youngster was also invited to watch United's game against Arsenal in the directors' box after he committed his future to the club.
Technical director Jason Wilcox is believed to have played a key role in persuading the teenager to remain at United after arranging a meeting with manager Amorim at the training facility to make him feel more included within the squad.
Whilst it's not uncommon for academy prospects to train with the senior team - and occasionally progress early to become vital members of the starting eleven - the fact Gabriel is already creating a stir at merely 14 years old indicates his potential could be extraordinarily high.
Gabriel will not feature in United's campaign for the FA Youth Cup this season, however, as participants must be born before the cut-off date of 31 August 2010.
The young forward, who is the son of former Republic of Ireland international Joe O'Cearuill, has netted five goals in three outings for the under-18s side already this season. This includes the hat-trick against Derby and goals against Middlesbrough and Everton.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United scores their team's third goal goal during the U18's Premier League match between Derby County and Manchester United at Moor Farm Training Centre on August 30, 2025 in Derby, England.
The striker's skill is clear for all to see(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
During the previous campaign, the youngster scored three times in as many outings, impressing fans with his flair, technical ability, and finishing prowess despite his tender years.
Certain United supporters have compared him to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, with one enthusiastic fan writing at the weekend: "JJ Gabriel is a different level of talent. Man Utd must try to keep him at all costs. I can see why Barcelona want him. He could be an LW version of Yamal in the future."
Another supporter said: "I really hope that we can hold onto JJ Gabriel - he looks amazing and is only 14. There is a lot of chatter that he may move on. As he's an Irish passport holder, he could join the likes of Barcelona now."
Given Gabriel's Irish passport status, the 14-year-old would be permitted to transfer to a European side at 16 rather than waiting until 18. This had attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich before United convinced him to stay.