Manchester United academy wonderkid JJ Gabriel is going from strength to strength at Carrington and he has now hit an impressive milestone.
This weekend, JJ Gabriel scored again as Manchester United’s U18s beat Leeds United’s U18s 2-0.
Unfortunately, JJ Gabriel is blocked from playing at U21s level because of his age. At just 15 years old, his progression is being carefully monitored but he is charging towards his senior debut at an incredible rate.
JJ Gabriel has already trained with the first team under Michael Carrick, and his form at U18s level proves he is already too good for the age group. His latest goal milestone is further proof.
JJ Gabriel in the FA Youth Cup
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo has been blown away by JJ Gabriel…
But how excited are you by the youngster's breakthrough at Manchester United? What are your expectations?
JJ Gabriel
Getty Images
JJ Gabriel celebrates 20-goal milestone at Man Utd
JJ Gabriel is on an U18s title charge with Manchester United this season. The Red Devils academy team are currently three points clear at the top of the table, although Manchester City U18s have two games in hand.
By scoring against Leeds U18s this weekend, JJ Gabriel extended his lead as the U18 Premier League top scorer, and he hit 20 goals for the 2025/26 season in the process.
On Instagram, JJ Gabriel celebrated reaching the milestone with a post on his story.
More United News
“Goal. 20th of the season. 3 points. And this all game,” JJ Gabriel captioned the post, with an image of an injury he suffered from a tackle in the match.
JJ Gabriel also included a screenshot of United’s top scorers in the U18s this season. His 20 goals leads the way, well clear of Louie Bradbury in second place who has scored six goals in 2025/26.
He is also the top scorer in the U18s Premier League, with his 20 goals clear of Manchester City’s Teddie Lamb, who has scored 17.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
JJ Gabriel is ready to burst into Man Utd first team
There was talk of JJ Gabriel making his first-team debut this season, but he was only eligible to play in cup competitions because of the Premier League rules.
Because United exited both cup competitions at the earliest stage possible, it means that Gabriel has had to wait.
READ MORE: JJ Gabriel is being managed perfectly by Michael Carrick after his latest decision, it’s the right call
Despite being just 15 years old, Gabriel has proven that he is ready to make a remarkable breakthrough to the first team.
United’s 2026 pre-season plans will be a golden opportunity for Gabriel to make the step up to playing senior football, and it could provide him a platform to challenge for a first-team spot in 2026/27.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox