JJ Gabriel is generating plenty of buzz at Manchester United and has taken part in first-team training again this week, despite not being eligible to play in the Premier League
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring their third goal during the U18 Premier League between Manchester United U18s and Nottingham Forest U18s at Carrington Training Ground on March 07, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
JJ Gabriel has scored 20 goals for Manchester United's under-18s(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Bryan Mbeumo has added to the hype surrounding 'special' JJ Gabriel after the Manchester United wonderkid was called up to first-team training. Gabriel, who's just 15, is the name on everyone's lips at Carrington and scored his 20th goal of the season at under-18 level last weekend.
The highly-rated forward is unable to make his Premier League debut due to being 14 at the start of the campaign. But since his maiden call-up to first-team training in the autumn, Gabriel has rubbed shoulders with United's senior players - and he's impressed.
Appearing on the Zack En Roue Libre podcast, Mbeumo waxed lyrical about the Norwich-born teenager's talent. "He's strong, the little guy is strong," the Red Devils star began.
"He's really something, frankly... I think he's 15. You feel that he's bound to be a little kid but he trains quite a bit with us and actually you see, you can feel that the little guy has something special."
Mbeumo added: "He's actually kind of a winger, he's a dribbler and even in front of the box, I still think he's good, honestly. Even when it's one-on-one, often when you're young... you stutter but I think he already has good blood.
"We saw him score some nice goals, he has a good shot. Technically, he's strong."
Gabriel has been involved in first-team training this week as Michael Carrick's side prepare to welcome Aston Villa on Sunday. Premier League rules mean that the England under-16 international won't be able to feature in the competition until next season, although he could've played in the FA Cup before United were knocked out by Brighton in January.
Back then, Darren Fletcher was in charge and said of Gabriel pre-match: "JJ is a fantastic talent. I've enjoyed working with him immensely, getting to know him.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Bryan Mbeumo, JJ Gabriel, Jack Fletcher of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on March 11, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Bryan Mbeumo is impressed by JJ Gabriel(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"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.
"Fifteen-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."