Manchester United take on Brighton at Old Trafford this weekend in the FA Cup, and ahead of the game, the possibility of JJ Gabriel making his debut has been much debated.
Despite being just 15, JJ Gabriel is a name quickly becoming the most notable in the academy ranks.
After a season in which Gabriel has ripped up the U18 Premier League, Sunday represents the inaugural first-team game Gabriel is eligible to play in.
It seemed all the stars had aligned for Gabriel to debut in the FA Cup, with caretaker manager Darren Fletcher also his boss in the U18s right now.
In a vote on TalkingPoints, United fans unanimously wanted to see Gabriel make his debut, and now, finally, the man who will make the decision has spoken out.
Should 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel make his debut in the FA Cup?
He would become Man Utd's youngest ever player!
JJ Gabriel
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Darren Fletcher on whether JJ Gabriel will make his debut vs Brighton
Despite his youth, Gabriel is already a regular face in senior training, blowing away coaches and teammates with his ability.
This is why it isn’t too far-fetched to have pictured him becoming the club’s youngest ever player.
JJ Gabriel in Manchester United warm-up sweater.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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But speaking to the press ahead of the game, quoted by Steven Railston, Fletcher has shut down this idea, heaping praise on Gabriel but suggesting it is slightly early.
“Well, he could be, but he’s not going to be because obviously anybody could be picked. But JJ is a fantastic talent. I’ve enjoyed working with him immensely, getting to know him. He’s a young lad with a massive sort of hype, you know, there’s a lot of noise around him and deservedly so because he’s a real talented kid. He works hard.
“First thing I’d say is he loves football. He loves training, he loves playing, he loves having the ball, he loves expressing himself. He makes fantastic decisions. He’s just got an enthusiasm for the game that’s just amazing. A 15-year-old, a bright future ahead of him.
“I’m super excited by his talent, but the most important thing is that he keeps developing, and he’s in the U18 team, and he’s doing fantastically well, but he’s still got lots to learn.
“The world is his oyster and he just needs to go on his journey, and his time will come in due course. But for just now, it’s a little bit early, I think, and I think a lot of people would agree with me.”
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Benjamin Sesko and Bruno Fernandes clap Manchester United fans.
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Why Fletcher is making the right decision over Gabriel at Manchester United
It might come as a frustrating result to not get Gabriel minutes against Brighton, as even if it were a five-minute cameo, it would be invaluable experience.
However, the way Fletcher talks about Gabriel and the youth in general makes it clear that he has the best interests of the player at heart, different to Ruben Amorim.
Gabriel is a supreme talent; however, he only turned 15 a couple of months ago, and a debut this early might be counterproductive as he might struggle physically.
The main takeaway from this is how refreshing Fletcher’s comments on the academy are.
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