Manchester United fans have not had much to cheer about over the last year, but they have every right to be excited about one star in their academy
07:00, 22 Aug 2025
JJ Gabriel celebrating a for Manchester United
JJ Gabriel is only 14 years old(Image: Manchester United)
The last year has been a failure for Manchester United, but one 14-year-old prospect is proving the Red Devils can still produce mind-blowingly talented players.
This summer, Arsenal fans have been raving about 15-year-old sensation Max Dowman. However, on the red side of Manchester, 14-year-old star JJ Gabriel has been turning many heads, the biggest of which being United boss Ruben Amorim.
Gabriel, the son of former Irish international Joe O'Cearuill, made history in April by becoming the youngest player ever to feature for United's U18s side. Despite being barely old enough to select his GCSE subjects, the gifted youngster has been told he'll get chances to train with United's first team this season.
It's an astonishingly rapid ascent for the teenager, who's already earned the nickname 'Kid Messi' from fans who've seen clips of him showing off his skills in United training sessions.
Despite playing four years above his age group, Gabriel netted two goals on his debut for the Red Devils' U18s in April. He bagged a brace in a resounding 13-1 thrashing of Leeds United's U18s side, where he displayed all of his top talents.
Gabriel's ability has even landed him a lucrative sponsorship deal with Nike. Various top clubs across Europe were monitoring him, eager to try and sway him to their club.
However, United's director of football Jason Wilcox and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves personally intervened to persuade the teenage talent that his future lay at Old Trafford.
Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel with his thumb up while wearing a United shirt
JJ Gabriel could be the next star to emerge from United
They even awarded him an official squad number, No. 95, which is believed to be the highest number any player in United's history has ever worn. Discussing the youngster, specialist one-to-one football coach Alfie Brooks, who has worked with the United starlet, provided insight into just how talented the player is.
Brooks said: "When he first started training, [his competitiveness] was the standout attribute. I've coached nearly 1,000 academy players over my time.
"Four of them in Josh Nichols (Arsenal), Josh Acheampong (Chelsea), Sydie Peck (Sheffield United) and Tyrique George (Chelsea) have made their senior debuts - and JJ is the best I've ever seen.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim
Amorim has asked to be constantly updated about Gabriel's progress(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
"He could go into a Premier League changing room right now and technically he would be better than all of them. It wouldn't even be close."
Despite shining for the U18s team, he won't be permitted to participate in the Red Devils' quest to claim the FA Youth Cup, as he's not old enough. Whilst he's eligible to play in the Premier League Under-18 division, competitors in the Youth Cup must be born before 31st August 2010.
He was invited into the director's box for United's recent 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal in their first Premier League game of the season. Gabriel has also personally met Amorim at United's Carrington training ground, who has asked to be kept in the loop regarding his development.
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