Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is not entertaining the possibility of fast-tracking JJ Gabriel into the first-team picture due to ongoing concerns that the pressurised environment at Old Trafford may be too much for the highly-rated teenager to handle, GIVEMESPORT columnist Steve Bates has revealed.
The Red Devils were not afraid to splash the cash during the summer transfer window, with Benjamin Sesko on course to be the most expensive acquisition as add-ons could see the value of his move from RB Leipzig increase to £73.7million, resulting in their squad being given a new look.
Amorim Has Gabriel Fast-Tracking Concerns
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Amorim has made a big decision on whether to promote Gabriel into Manchester United's senior squad, according to respected journalist Bates, as the Portuguese tactician has opted to resist the temptation to hand him game time in the coming weeks due to fears that it could hamper his development.
The 14-year-old has made an eye-catching start to the campaign, scoring five goals in three appearances for the Red Devils' under-18 side and bagging a 22-minute hat-trick during a comfortable victory over Derby County last month, leading to sections of the fanbase wanting him to be given first-team opportunities.
GMS columnist Bates has revealed that Amorim does not feel it is the right time to call upon Gabriel due to Manchester United's current position, having been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and struggling for Premier League wins, but the former Sporting boss is fully aware of his progress and will continue keeping tabs on his form over the course of the season.
The Red Devils, who have allowed Andre Onana to join Trabzonspor on a loan deal which will involve the Turkish side covering the entirety of his pay package, consider the striker to be the next big star off the Old Trafford production line and there are high hopes for his future after creating a buzz behind the scenes.
Gabriel has been dubbed 'Kid Messi', having shown similar attacking instincts to World Cup-winning Argentina international Lionel Messi, and a large section of supporters have already predicted that he will usurp Angel Gomes as the youngest debutant for Manchester United in the Premier League.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 12/09/2025
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