Manchester United look set to reward one academy talent with his first team debut next season, as he will become the youngest ever to play for the Red Devils
Manchester United have a long history with academy talents, naming an academy player in every matchday squad since 30 October 1937.
Current youth talents in the first team include Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, two players who have had very different pathways, but who now star as the poster boys for United.
Rúben Amorim also has a well-known history with academy players; at Sporting CP, he gave 27 youth players their first-team debut in just four years at the club.
Several United youngsters are knocking on the door under Amorim, with Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson having already made their debut.
Jack Moorhouse and Jack Fletcher have both appeared on the bench for the Portuguese manager and are yet to receive their first minutes, but its another United youngster who looks set to become the youngest player in Red Devils’ history.
Gabriel set to play next season
Despite being just 14 years old, JJ Gabriel could be given his first team debut next season, as per reports from The Sun.
Gabriel made his first appearance for United’s under-18s earlier this season under Adam Lawrence and became a regular towards the back end of the campaign, making three appearances and scoring three goals.
The English youngster has already signed a boot contract with Nike and been hailed as “kid Messi” by those who have watched him regularly in United’s youth sides.
The left-winger could be given his first team debut in a cup competition next season, playing as the left No.10 in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
He would be able to eclipse former goalkeeper David Gaskell’s record of being United’s youngest player at 16 years and 19 days, which he set back in 1956.
Some believe that United need to show Gabriel that he will become a key player at Old Trafford sooner rather than later, with interest from across Europe to sign the youngster, who can leave for pastures new at any age due to having an Irish passport.
By handing the young superstar his debut for the first team at such an early age, they would be activating a transfer plan to make sure the winger can remain at Old Trafford for the seasons to come.
Mantato likely be the next academy debutant
While it looks like Gabriel will be given his debut next season, Bendito Mantato should be the next United youngster to make his debut for Amorim’s side.
Read More: Should Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United be dictated by the Europa League final?
Mantato represents the perfect profile to play at right wing back for Amorim, a left footer who is a natural winger and can drive down the line or cut inside, much like Geovany Quenda at Sporting.
The young winger withdrew from England’s under-17 Euros squad earlier this week, with some believing that he could be included in the travelling squad for the Europa League final.
It’s unlikely that Mantato will appear on Wednesday night in Bilbao, but the experience, especially if United win, will significantly help Mantato transition to first-team football next season.
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