Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel is of interest to Spanish giants Barcelona but the 15-year-old continues to make an impression at Old Trafford having recently scored a memorable goal
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel scored the winning goal vs Peterborough(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has smashed a Red Devils’ record amid speculation about his Old Trafford future. The 15-year-old has made quite the impression within the club’s youth ranks alongside Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick.
Barcelona have been credited with an interest in the youngster following an eye-catching start to the season. But it appears that Gabriel is remaining focused on his current role with United. The talented teenager was included in United’s side for their FA Youth Cup clash against Peterborough United and ended up being key to victory, scoring the only goal of the game.
Gabriel's strike also means he is now the youngest-ever player to have scored in the FA Youth Cup at just 15 years of age. It also saw him extend a scintillating start to the campaign.
Gabriel now has 11 goals in just 12 games, having also chalked up a hat-trick against Liverpool’s under-18s earlier this campaign. United have already been making a concerted effort to retain his services.
Jason Wilcox wants to tie him down to a further two years at least, while Ruben Amorim has also held a meeting with the youngster. Speaking about Gabriel earlier this season, the United boss said: "Like everyone, I know he is a really talented guy.
"We try to pick players for training that have talent, not just for me to see for tomorrow but for them to feel what it means to be in the first team, the difficulties playing against our defenders, the difficulty and pace of our training.
"If we can use every training we have to show the kids what they need to do to be here, it is important, not just for JJ but for everyone."
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel has been in sensational form so far this season
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Away from Amorim, Gabriel has also met former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Sharing a picture of the pair on Instagram, he wrote: “Great honour to meet legend Sir Alex Ferguson.”
While United are keen to tie the youngster down to a new deal, he could potentially be set to link up with a fellow Red Devils academy graduate should he move to Barcelona. Marcus Rashford is currently in the middle of a loan spell at the Camp Nou, having fallen down the pecking order under Amorim.
The forward has scored six goals and provided 11 assists so far in all competitions. Barcelona have an option in the agreement to sign the 28-year-old permanently for a fee of £26m.
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