JJ Gabriel is a special talent and the hype around him appears to be completely justified.
The hype around JJ Gabriel began before he had even played an under-18s game last season.
Gabriel was labelled the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’ by sportswear giant Nike, when he was just 14-years-old.
He then netted twice on his under-18s debut, showing that the fuss was for a good reason. And he has stayed with the under-18s ever since.
Now 15, it seems that there is no slowing him down, with a successful FA Youth Cup debut in the books.
JJ Gabriel hurles a tackle at Old Trafford
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
JJ Gabriel’s numbers are remarkable
JJ Gabriel scored the winner with a perfectly placed side-footed shot into the bottom corner in Manchester United’s under-18s win over Peterborough.
United were the better team, but needed the moment of magic from JJ Gabriel to progress into the next round.
This goal continues his outstanding form this season. In 12 games for the under-18s, Gabriel has scored 11 goals. He has also added one assist.
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Gabriel is putting up the kind of numbers for the under-18s that you might expect from an 18-year-old who is too physically dominant for the level.
He is dominating through pure skill and technical talent, at the age of 15.
JJ Gabriel is now the youngest ever Man Utd player to score in the FA Youth Cup
Which player does JJ Gabriel remind you of? How good can he become?
JJ Gabriel graphic
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Gabriel is now the youngest ever Manchester United scorer in the FA Youth Cup, breaking a record previously set by Omari Forson.
This was his FA Youth Cup debut, taking place at Old Trafford, and hopefully this is the first of many goals he scores at the stadium.
JJ Gabriel’s rise could be key to another FA Youth Cup win – but which other Man Utd talent are you excited to see in action?
Manchester United have won the FA Youth Cup 11 times – more than any club in history!
JJ Gabriel playing against Derby County U18
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Manchester United have had to fend off interest in JJ Gabriel from Barcelona, amid the huge attention over his services. He has signed a pre-scholarship agreement with the club.
Gabriel has trained with the first team, although he is ineligible to play in the Premier League until next season. An FA Cup debut is technically possible.
Last week Gabriel was spotted with Sir Alex Ferguson, as United continue to roll out the red carpet for him.
Everything we have seen, as well as the numbers, all suggests that the hype is justified and Gabriel could be Manchester United and football’s next superstar.
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