Manchester United's youngsters booked their place in the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City after beating Crystal Palace 2-1, with JJ Gabriel catching the eye of Rio Ferdinand
JJ Gabriel has been talked up.
JJ Gabriel has been talked up.(Image: Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hailed academy starlet JJ Gabriel as 'the future' following the club's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Youth Cup. Darren Fletcher's side secured their spot in the final against fierce rivals Manchester City after edging out the London outfit in extra-time.
The young Red Devils required a Chido Obi winner to see off Palace and set up the eagerly-anticipated derby clash next month. Gabriel's strike 13 minutes from time broke the deadlock, only for the visitors to level almost instantly and force the tie into extra-time.
The 15-year-old has been widely touted as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from United's academy, with many tipping him to become a familiar name at Old Trafford. United hold the record for the most Youth Cup triumphs with 11 victories, and the performances of both Gabriel and Obi have put them in contention to extend that remarkable tally.
Taking to X following the match, Ferdinand wrote: "Well worked by Chido Obi... calmly finished by JJ! The future @ManUtd. Movement in behind. Pass. Simple game! Congrats to Fletch and the boys... great feeling!"
Responding to the winning goal in a separate post on X, Ferdinand added: "Movement in behind. Pass [clapping hands emoji]. Simple game! Congrats to Fletch and the boys... great feeling!"
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United boast a proud tradition of nurturing academy talent, with Tyler Fletcher and Shea Lacey among those to have made their debuts this season.
The current generation of United youngsters have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legendary sides by lifting the Youth Cup.
It has been four years since they last got their hands on the trophy, when the likes of Alejandro Garnacho lit up the competition.
City stand between them and the final after overcoming Blackburn Rovers in the other semi-final earlier this month. The prospects from the blue half of Manchester have grown into a formidable presence in the tournament.
Academy director Steve Torpey has already spoken enthusiastically about unearthing further talent, with Gabriel among those singled out as one of the "special talents".
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel has been tearing it up in academy football this season(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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He said: "I've got to be careful that I don't put unnecessary pressure on anyone from the academy. I think it's well documented with the number of players that are out there, and they're performing really well, and they're doing extremely well.
"I suppose when you look at those types of players, they give you these moments of magic and these bits that get you off your seat, and sometimes that's a really good tackle, sometimes that's a goal line clearance.
"The other times, it's a great bit of skill on the edge of the box, like we saw last weekend when he wrapped it in the top corner. You see these things, but there's a lot that can go on.
"We have some special talents right now in our groups, and JJ is one of those, for sure."
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