Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has quickly made a name for himself as one of the club’s most exciting young talents.
At just 15 years of age, JJ Gabriel is a sensational talent and he has been tearing it up at Under-18s level for Manchester United this season.
There was even talk of JJ Gabriel making his first-team debut in a cup competition this season, as Premier League rules prohibit him from playing in the top flight.
As recently as this weekend, JJ Gabriel scored two stunning goals for United’s Under-18s, and his meteoric rise is showing no signs of slowing down. Frustratingly, though, he has had to be kept away from Under-21s.
JJ Gabriel in Manchester United kit.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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
Man Utd face fines if JJ Gabriel plays in Under-21s
Under Michael Carrick, JJ Gabriel has joined first-team training in a huge show of faith towards the teenager’s potential.
United will be eager to show him a pathway to first-team football to help fend off interest from other European giants, but he has been made to wait to make the step up to Under-21s.
Because JJ Gabriel was just 14 years old at the start of the season, the rules stop him from playing Under-21s football in 2025/26.
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As per United Peoples TV, Gabriel’s father explained the issue: “He was 14 years-old at start of the season.
“The club can play him in the U21s but they will be fined or worse. Clubs have done this before but Manchester United do things properly”.
There is no stopping JJ Gabriel right now!
JJ Gabriel 6-0 graphic
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JJ Gabriel’s progression should not be rushed
It is clear that United have a mercurial talent on their hands in the shape of JJ Gabriel, but he is still incredibly young and needs time to develop physically as well as technically.
JJ Gabriel is already the top goalscorer in U18s English football this season, and he is only getting better the more football he is playing in the academy.
READ MORE: JJ Gabriel’s best position is clear after playing in four for Darren Fletcher, it could impact transfer plans
Barcelona have shown interest in JJ Gabriel so United chiefs are eager to make sure promises are kept to the teenager, but he shouldn’t be rushed into the first team.
Angel Gomes is United’s youngest-ever debutant at 16 years and 263 days and JJ Gabriel is on track to potentially break that record.
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