Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel was at Old Trafford on Thursday night to watch the 1-1 draw with West Ham.
Despite being just 15 years old, JJ Gabriel is already a name being discussed with certainty as a future superstar.
Gabriel has been on fire for United’s U18 side this season, and as a result, rumours over his future have become frequent.
Barcelona have been linked with signing Gabriel when he turns 17. However, despite the interest, United are confident of keeping Gabriel, with Jason Wilcox considering him crucial to the club’s project.
As a result of how highly the club rate him, United have been rolling out the red carpet.
JJ Gabriel celebrates for Manchester United.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
JJ Gabriel meets Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford
This season has seen United giving Gabriel special treatment in the form of tickets to games in the executive boxes and also promises of future boxes in the new Old Trafford.
Ineos are doing this with a vision to convince Gabriel to commit to the club long term, and this continued on Thursday.
Gabriel won’t have been impressed watching United draw 1-1 with West Ham, but he did get the chance to meet the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
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JJ Gabriel in Manchester United warm-up sweater.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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After the game, Gabriel took to his Instagram, sharing a photo with the greatest manager of all time, adding the Godfather theme to his post.
Gabriel also added a caption, writing “Great honour to meet legend Sir Alex Ferguson”.
Meeting Sir Alex may have been a coincidence, but it is more likely another move from Ineos to prove to the 15-year-old and his family that he is best served remaining at Old Trafford.
Manchester United need to platform JJ Gabriel
While Ruben Amorim has shown clear interest in Gabriel, watching the lack of Carrington usage this season makes it tough to see how and when Gabriel would earn a debut under the current management.
Having such a monumental talent in the academy who looks like he has all the potential to be a world-class player is so exciting; however, also concerning that Amorim is not the right manager to make the most of him.
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Ruben Amorim in Manchester United attire during loss to Everton.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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Amorim has some kind of issue with Carrington, Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey facing the brunt of this recently, and for Gabriel watching this, although he probably has the most potential of the three, it just is not a good look.
United could end up losing Gabriel even if he wants to commit because right now, the club is not a good place for young players to shine.
So either Amorim needs to change, or United need to change the head coach to make the most of the wonderkid coming through.
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