Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel continues to impress, and a record-breaking debut is possible.
It is becoming quite apparent that Manchester United have a special talent in the academy, JJ Gabriel.
Gabriel made his under-18s debut last season, and in 2025-26 has been promoted to the side on a regular basis. All while aged only 14.
On August 23, Gabriel scored twice to lead Manchester United under-18s to a 5-0 win over Middlesbrough.
JJ Gabriel dribbles the ball for Man Utd u18s
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
How JJ Gabriel could play for Manchester United
JJ Gabriel is currently ineligible to play for Manchester United’s first team in the Premier League until the 2026/27 season.
This is because rules state a player must have turned 15 years old by August 2025 in order to be eligible to make a Premier League debut in the 2025-26 season. Gabriel turns 15 in October 2025, so misses the cut this season.
However, Gabriel would technically be able to represent Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
Manchester United face League Two side Grimsby Town this coming week in the cup, and Gabriel could theoretically travel with the squad and make the bench.
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If Gabriel were to come on and make his debut, he would set a record to become Manchester United’s youngest ever player, breaking the record set by 16-year-old David Gaskell in 1955.
The young playmaker committed his future to United earlier this year, signing a pre-scholarship agreement.
Previously, Harvey Elliott made his debut for Fulham at 15 in the Carabao Cup, while United fans may recall Rochdale’s Luke Matheson playing at 16 at Old Trafford in 2020. Gabriel would set a new record if selected.
Ruben Amorim has decisions to make vs Grimsby
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was spotted with JJ Gabriel just last week, showing he is paying attention to the wonderkid’s progress.
Whether he chooses to bring him into the squad for a headline-grabbing appearance in the Carabao Cup, is yet to be determined.
The game presents a chance for Amorim to rotate after two opening Premier League games to begin the season, and there are players in need of game time.
And while Gabriel is a top talent shining at academy level, do United feel he can cope with men’s football, even in a brief cameo appearance?
It may be a long shot, but it’s possible. And if word breaks midweek that Gabriel has travelled with the squad, we won’t be surprised.