Manchester United Under-18s thrashed Liverpool 7-0 on Saturday with JJ Gabriel hitting a sensational hat-trick
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the U18 Premier League match against Liverpool
JJ Gabriel scored a sensational hat-trick for Man United Under-18s as they thrashed Liverpool 7-0
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JJ Gabriel's burgeoning reputation rose even further as the Manchester United wonder kid hit a stunning hat-trick in a 7-0 Under-18 demolition of Liverpool. Gabriel, still only 15, netted two individual efforts in the first half before adding a third after the break as United ran riot.
Bendito Mantato opened the scoring early on with a driven finish before Gabriel then took centre stage. His first was a superb effort where he twisted and turned inside the box to bamboozle the home defence before firing home. And his second was in a similar vein with a powerful finish into the roof of the net to make it three.
Louie Bradbury, returning from injury, netted the fourth while Jim Thwaites converted a penalty to make it five. Liverpool were shellshocked and Samuel Lusale added a sixth before Gabriel crowned his fine afternoon with his third and United's seventh.
Gabriel has been involved in first team training under Ruben Amorim in recent weeks and one of the most highly rated talents to come through the academy. The teenager and his family were invited into the Old Trafford directors' box for the opening game of the season against Arsenal.
Gabriel has spoken to Amorim, with the United boss discussing his philosophy and stressing the importance of working hard. Omar Berrada (CEO) and Jason Wilcox (director of football) were involved in the meeting to keep Gabriel in the summer, and fans have speculated when he could make his senior debut.
The 15-year-old has the potential to become United's youngest-ever Premier League player. Angel Gomes (16 years, 263 days), Shola Shoretire (17 years, 19 days) and Chido Obi (17 years, 79 days) are the youngest players to make an appearance for United in the Premier League.
Gabriel has the potential to break that record, and he could even topple the Premier League record held by Ethan Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days). Max Dowman (15 years, 235 days) is the second youngest.