There is so much excitement around JJ Gabriel right now at Manchester United, which has seen him fast-tracked through the ranks to the first-team.
Ahead of the FA Youth Cup fourth round, Manchester United are ‘bursting with excitement’ over getting to see JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi in the same starting line-up.
The 15-year-old is already levels ahead of his peers, dominating in under-18 football, tallying up an impressive 12 goals in 14 games this season under Darren Fletcher.
Despite the uncertainty around his long term future, Gabriel looks happy as ever at United, with the general feeling that he could still make his senior debut in 2026.
Fletcher didn’t debut Gabriel in the FA Cup this season, but his time is definitely coming, with the club taking actions to help him become generational.
There is no stopping JJ Gabriel right now!
JJ Gabriel 6-0 graphic
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Manchester United treating JJ Gabriel as next Ryan Giggs
Gabriel was among the United academy’s best in 2025, and this year he is likely to reach new heights. This season already Gabriel has impressed in first-team training, with his development being treated carefully.
JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Now, according to Give Me Sport, United see Gabriel as having the potential talent to be a global superstar at the club.
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The teenager is seen as being a ‘generational talent’ and United are keen to give him a taste of first team football when possible.
However, there is a cautiousness around unleashing him too early, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s patience with Ryan Giggs in the early days cited as a method of handling his development.
Gabriel’s hype is justified, dominating a level of football three years above his age group.
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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Many believe that Gabriel is the best talent that the club have every developed.
In the last round of the FA Youth Cup, Gabriel was hailed for his ‘sensational’ ability, playing to a level beyond his years and being the under-18s main man.
This Friday, the under-18s continue this campaign against Derby and it could see Obi starting striker and Bendito Mantato back with the group as United go all out to win the tournament.
United would ultimately be fielding the best team in the tournament and should go all the way.
If this happens, Gabriel could sign off from academy football winning the biggest tournament there is at that level, before he likely gets pushed toward the senior team next season.
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