Man United legend Rio Ferdinand says he is very excited about the potential of youngster JJ Gabriel.
The 14-year-old is already playing for Darren Fletcher’s Under 18s, and Ferdinand claims the forward has the ability to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal’s Max Dowman and Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha:
“They’ve got a kid called JJ Gabriel. I know you’ve heard of him. Wow. He’s got a massive chance. Massive.”
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“He’s the one who could be mentioned alongside Rio [Ngumoha] and Max Dowman. He’s the next one, I’m telling you.”
“Love to see it. And these kids have got confidence, I don’t think that lads in our generation [had], only the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Joe Cole, I’ve seen confidence like that.”
What do fans need to know about Gabriel?
Although the teenager is ostensibly a centre-forward, he can be deployed as a second striker or on the left wing if required.
Gabriel is an England Under 15 international, and despite his age, he is starting games for United at Under-18 level. He scored a brace against Middlesbrough during a 5-0 win last week, and he will be in the squad to face Derby County today (Saturday, 30th August).
Another of Man United’s academy players could leave
While the future looks bright for Gabriel, things are not looking as great for Kobbie Mainoo at the moment. The midfielder is said to be pressing for a loan move away from Old Trafford in order to get regular game time.
Ferdinand has also had his say on Mainoo’s situation, stating that he wants the 20-year-old “to stay at the club”. With it being a World Cup year, though, the player is seemingly determined to find another team where he can impress England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here