Manchester United’s U18 side claimed a fairly comfortable 1-0 victory to kick-start this season’s FA Youth Cup campaign against Peterborough.
Darren Fletcher’s side were heavy favourites at Old Trafford, and the performance was among the most dominant you will see, as Peterborough barely touched the ball.
Manchester United knocked it around really well, but the defensive quality of Peterborough will have been a bit of a surprise, with JJ Gabriel being tackled on the edge of the box numerous times, along with Louie Bradbury having the ball nabbed from his toes a handful of times.
Bendito Mantato also struggled to be his usual effective self as Peterborough defended so well.
During and after the game, Ben Thornley was speaking on MUTV and had praise for one player specifically.
JJ Gabriel running off in celebration for Manchester United U18.
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ben Thornley full of praise for JJ Gabriel
Gabriel scored United’s only goal, placing a brilliant finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. This was Gabriel’s 11th goal of the season in 12 games, numbers which are seriously impressive and similar to Chido Obi’s last season, despite him being just 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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Reacting to this goal, Thornley hailed Gabriel’s finish.
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“It’s a finish beyond his years to be honest, fantastic finish.”
The praise didn’t stop there, as when Gabriel was substituted off, Thornley reaffirmed how much potential the wonderkid has.
“The potential that he’s got is nothing short of sensational”, the commentator said, before he continued.
“Caused all sorts of problems with his running.”
Gabriel is a super talent, and while interest from abroad is heating up, it seems like he is happy to be at United right now.
First of many Old Trafford goals for JJ Gabriel
Keeping JJ Gabriel could be the best signing United can make in the next 24 months, and the club are certainly pulling out all the stops.
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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Gabriel met Sir Alex Ferguson last week, which was surely done with the club’s plan in mind to convince him to stay.
United are thought to be confident over Gabriel’s future, and for good reason, as he seems to really love the club and seeing him celebrate with a massive smile at Old Trafford will only further confidence.
The 15-year-old looked right at home under the lights of the Theatre of Dreams and we imagine it will be goal one of many at this venue.
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