Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has hailed 15-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel as "really talented" following his involvement in first-team training this week. The teenage prodigy trained alongside United's senior squad on Thursday.
It's rare for such a young player to be granted the chance to work with the first team, but Gabriel is regarded as one of the most exceptional prospects emerging from the academy. Gabriel and his relatives were welcomed into the Old Trafford directors' box for the season opener against Arsenal, whilst United recently arranged for the youngster to meet Amorim at Carrington.
Amorim gained a better understanding of the teenager's abilities when he participated in the session. "Like everyone, I know he is a really talented guy and everyone paid attention on social media," said Amorim.
"You could see the Under-21s had a game and we had fewer players and tried to pick players for training that have talent, not just for me to see for tomorrow, but for them to feel what it means to be in the first team, the difficulties playing against our defenders, the difficulty of our training, the pace.
"If we can use every training we have to show the kids what they need to do to be here, it is important, not just for JJ but for everyone."
Earlier this month, the Manchester Evening News offered an insight into Gabriel's remarkable progression through youth football. Omar Berrada, the CEO, and Jason Wilcox, the director of football, were part of the discussions to retain Gabriel over the summer, sparking speculation among fans about when he might make his first-team debut.
The 15-year-old prodigy could potentially become United's youngest-ever player in the Premier League.
Angel Gomes (16 years, 263 days), Shola Shoretire (17 years, 19 days) and Chido Obi (17 years, 79 days) currently hold the records as the youngest players to have graced the pitch for United in the Premier League.