JJ Gabriel is stealing the headlines at Manchester United because the worst-kept secret is out, and it’s that the club have a potentially generational talent in their ranks.
Since making his debut for the U18s last season, JJ Gabriel’s profile has skyrocketed. It started with him committing his future to Man Utd last season.
Since then, he has dominated U18s football, met with Ruben Amorim and Sir Alex Ferguson, while Jason Wilcox is pulling out all the stops to avoid his head turning.
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JJ Gabriel celebrates for Manchester United.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Gabriel has also trained with the senior team during this time, and how he has fared on those excursions has now emerged, including someone who has taken him under his wing.
JJ Gabriel prays before Manchester United vs Liverpool.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
How JJ Gabriel has fared in Man Utd senior training
Before delving into details, it must be noted that just being invited to train with Man Utd’s first team when you’re 14 or 15 is remarkable in isolation.
These are probably part of the promises the club made to Gabriel to get him to stay, but it was then up to Gabriel to stay there, and more importantly, merit his fast-track.
That was a daunting ask of a 15-year-old youngster, but The Athletic report that Gabriel has been holding his own in senior training sessions.
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His close control, dribbling ability, and two-footedness have made him stand out on his own in senior training, and that level of skill hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Should Manchester United debut JJ Gabriel in the FA Cup this season?⭐️
JJ Gabriel in Manchester United warm-up sweater.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Bruno Fernandes has already taken him under his wing, “calling him by name” and “chatting to him”, as per the report.
It goes without saying that Gabriel still has a long way to go before challenging for a first-team place (or does he?), but holding his own in senior training already will do his prospects no harm.
Ruben Amorim will have a dilemma with Gabriel
Inviting Gabriel to first-team training or interacting with him is just a part of the job as a Man Utd manager for Ruben Amorim.
However, the dilemma will start next season when he’s eligible to play senior football, while Amorim continues to preach patience over youngsters.
Even Shea Lacey can’t get any minutes right now despite being with the first team for the last four games, with Amorim saying he can’t play Lacey over “internationals”.
The reasoning is flawed because no new internationals would be created if the managers kept playing established ones ahead of them.
Wilcox is clearly laying out the red carpet for Gabriel, and the youngster has ensured United don’t regret fast-tracking him so far.
If he continues this form throughout the season, then there is a feasible scenario that he travels with the first team for pre-season next year, and Amorim faces the dilemma of making him a first-team player.
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