JJ Gabriel is considered a certainty to become a first-team player for Manchester United, but Noah Ajayi’s breakthrough this season makes that even more likely.
Both teenagers are A+ talents, currently destroying the U18 Premier League for Manchester United and their careers may end up going hand in hand.
This continued on Wednesday when United thrashed Derby 6-1, thanks to a trio of braces from Noah Ajayi, JJ Gabriel, and Louie Bradbury.
All three are excellent for their age, all having a future. But for Gabriel, the emergence of Ajayi as a starlet in recent months could actually be the most beneficial thing that could have happened.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Noah Ajayi, Louie Bradbury and JJ Gabriel of Manchester United look on during the U18 Premier League match between Manchester United and Derby County at Carrington Training Ground on February 25, 2026
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Noah Ajayi can take the pressure off JJ Gabriel
Obviously, there is no denying that Gabriel is the academy talent who has the highest level of excitement around him. It has been suggested that United sees Gabriel as being generational, and he very well might end up being.
However, at 15, the pressure on Gabriel is already growing with the expectation that he will be a first-team player when eligible later this year. Based on his ability, this is not a shocking prediction, but physically, it might be a stretch too far.
On the other hand, Ajayi is two years older than Gabriel and much more physically developed, which makes him likely as more likely to graduate in the next six months than his younger teammate.
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Ajayi has elite quality in his ball carrying, powerful dribbling, and his shooting is similar to Marcus Rashford in his technique.
So if Ajayi continues at this rate, he will soon be undeniable for Michael Carrick, while he would also take the spotlight off Gabriel, allowing the 15-year-old to develop without fans almost making him the club’s messiah.
Gabriel might end up being way better in the future, but for now, Ajayi has all the tools to step up right now and have an impact.
Noah Ajayi will be Manchester United’s next attacking academy graduate… Do you agree?
Noah Ajayi playing for Man Utd u18s
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Gabriel can continue to develop in the U21s and U18s, working to improve physically and be prepared for the mental side of the game.
This is the best way United can get Gabriel to his ultimate level.
Manchester United don’t need to sign a new left winger in 2026
Heading toward the summer transfer window and left wing looked likely to be a position United would strengthen. Among several options, United have been linked with Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
However, a move like this would cost £100m or more, which the Red Devils don’t exactly have to spend, with the midfield rebuild likely to take up the majority of the budget.
Instead, United have a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old, each currently performing to ridiculous levels in the academy, and ahead of them, Patrick Dorgu was brilliant before injury.
United could feasibly go into next season with Dorgu, Matheus Cunha and Ajayi as the three options, while Gabriel would be a further option.
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