The youngster is considered one of the brightest talents to come through the Red Devils academy in recent years
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel is one of Manchester United's most-exciting academy prospects(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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It felt inevitable that Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel would score when he made his debut at Old Trafford earlier this week. Gabriel is widely considered one of the most exciting prospects in the world, and it took him just 21 minutes to find the net with a brilliant finish in front of the Stretford End.The likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have all represented United in the FA Youth Cup before achieving their dream of breaking into the first-team.Gabriel has participated in first-team training sessions at Carrington, despite being just 15 years old, and there is a growing expectation that he will become United's youngest player to debut in the Premier League.The teenager celebrated his 15th birthday in October, meaning he cannot feature in the topflight this season, but it would not be a surprise to see Gabriel break United's record next term.Those who have coached Gabriel believe he could shatter plenty of other records during his career. There is currently a buzz within youth football circles about what Gabriel could achieve. Some academy followers suggest he could be the best talent United's academy has ever seen.Understandably, United want to temper expectations to help Gabriel focus on his development, but sources close to the youngster are not concerned about keeping him grounded. He has strong family support and a circle of friends, who don't let him get ahead of himself. He is simply just JJ to them.However, there was a reason why United rolled out the red carpet in the summer to persuade Gabriel to stay: the special talent they have on their hands doesn't come around often.United were informed that Gabriel was set to leave to join a European giant, which led to an eleventh-hour meeting being held at Carrington in an attempt to keep the youngster.Jason Wilcox (director of football) and Omar Berrada (CEO) were present, which shows the high regard in which Gabriel is held. United reiterated he could become the face of the club and it was eventually agreed the teenage sensation would remain in Manchester - the player's final decision was decisive.There are windows for rivals to poach academy players at 14 and 16. Gabriel has committed his future at United for another two years at least, but interest from Europe's biggest sides will only intensify as he gets older, especially as he holds a European passport through his parents.United recently introduced Gabriel to Ruben Amorim. During their exchange, Amorim spent time discussing his philosophy and stressed the importance of working hard, even recalling an anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo as an example.Amorim played alongside Ronaldo for Portugal's national team. The United boss recounted stories about Ronaldo's work ethic - he was the first to report for training and the last to leave.Gabriel has been offered a box at the new Old Trafford, which is planned to be completed by 2030, and was invited with his family to watch the Premier League opener against Arsenal in the directors' box.It speaks volumes that brands are already desperate to work with Gabriel, who was subject to interest from Adidas before Nike beat off competition from the German company to sign him.The teenager has the talent to fire United to FA Youth Cup glory this season. Alejandro Garnacho used the competition as a springboard just a few years ago, and Gabriel is expected to do the same.The road to making a senior debut can be complicated for players in academy systems, but Gabriel is not an ordinary teenager.