Wayne Rooney has high hopes for Manchester United academy star JJ Gabriel after watching the youngster perform in the same team as his son Kai.
The sky is the limit for JJ Gabriel at Manchester United.
Aged 15, Gabriel scored a stunning strike as United’s 18s saw off Peterborough in the FA Youth Cup.
Gabriel has trained with United’s first team this season, with Bruno Fernandes taking him under his wing. He was also a guest in the director’s box with Sir Alex Ferguson for United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham.
This almost shows the hard work United are doing to convince Gabriel that he is at the right club for his development.
MUTV pundit Ben Thornley waxed lyrical over Gabriel, stating that he is showing talent that is beyond his years.
United fans will hope that Gabriel can show that in the first team in the coming years.
Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park in 2025 in Liverpool, England.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Wayne Rooney shares verdict on JJ Gabriel
Gabriel became the youngest ever United player to score in the FA Youth Cup during the week.
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As a result, he has attracted even more attention, with fans discussing how good he can become.
There was similar excitement for Chido Obi when he was performing in the FA Youth Cup last season. He went on to make seven appearances in the Premier League last season.
However, Gabriel is the academy player everyone is talking about now. He’s even got former United striker Wayne Rooney excited.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney stressed that Gabriel has a bright future in the game: “There’s a young lad at Manchester United who sounds very similar. JJ Gabriel, and I think he’s got like millions of followers and he’s in the same team as my boy.
“So, I’ve watched him grow up and develop and he’s a fantastic player. Got such a bright future.”
Sum up JJ Gabriel in one word…🔥
JJ Gabriel celebrates for Manchester United.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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United’s academy has been producing the best players for generations, so it will only be a matter of time before we see if Gabriel gets a chance to perform for the first team.
David Moyes reflects on the first time he saw Wayne Rooney
Like Gabriel, there was a time Rooney was making light work of football at youth level.
Everton manager David Moyes has opened up about his very first conversation with Rooney following an impressive performance in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.
Wayne Rooney’s famous overhead kick for Man Utd vs Man City at Old Trafford… 🥷🦵
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Rooney didn’t talk much – at the time – and just gave Moyes a nod after hearing he’d be in the first team the following season.
“I do remember the first time I saw Wayne Rooney. It was actually a semi-final of the FA Youth Cup, I think they were playing Tottenham and Wayne was playing,” said Moyes on Everton’s YouTube channel.
“I was actually up in the gantry at Goodison Park watching it from up there. I came down after the game and the boys were on the pitch doing a cool down.
“I went over and said to him [Rooney]: ‘You’ll be with me next season.’
“I always remember saying that and Wayne didn’t speak much at the time so I got a nod.”
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