Manchester United take on Brighton to begin the FA Cup campaign, and ahead of the game, there is the question of whether JJ Gabriel should be involved.
Darren Fletcher remains in the Manchester United dugout to take on Brighton in the FA Cup, and he has the chance to make history.
This is because there is a credible chance that 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel is involved in the team for this clash, being eligible for his first-team debut.
Fletcher is Gabriel’s U18 manager, and therefore, this seems like the perfect opportunity for a debut under a system he knows and understands.
This season, Gabriel has already been involved in senior training, and with the club desperate to keep him, a debut here might be what it takes to show the once-in-a-generation talent he is best served here.
So ahead of the FA Cup third round game, we asked United in Focus readers on our TalkingPoints platform whether the teenager should make his debut.
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Manchester United fans are convinced that Gabriel is ready to play for the first team
There is no escaping that Gabriel is a sensational talent for United, arguably the best raw ability player that has ever emerged out of Carrington.
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At 15, he has already made U18 football look easy, and with Barcelona interested in signing Gabriel, Ineos are doing everything possible to retain him, and that might include a taste of first-team football.
JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
The hype around Gabriel is justified, and fans on TalkingPoints agreed, voting unanimously that he should make his debut.
Yes, give him his debut – 83.05%
No, it is too early – 16.95%
This is a clear decision by fans, with little doubt that Gabriel is ready to be a record breaker and the youngest player that United has ever had.
Manchester United fans on potential JJ Gabriel debut
The poll said it all about how United fans feel, and some added their verdict in the comments to further strengthen the argument.
One wrote: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough. You gotta look after yourself as a footballer. Many top players start at a very young age and go on to play until their late 30s or even 40s. Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Ronaldo, to name a few, with United.”
A second backed this up: “As Sir Matt said, if the lad is good enough, then he is old enough! Give him 30 mins late on.”
Another added: “Absolutely, him and Lacey can bring a fresh look to the team. 30 mins the pair should get.”
A fourth commented: “Yeah, please give him a chance.”
Finally, this fan believes it is all about the experience: “Yes, I believe it would be good for JJ to experience premier football.”
You can also give your view by signing up to TalkingPoints.
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