JJ Gabriel has shot to fame in Manchester United’s academy as one of the most exciting young talents in English football.
Despite being just 15 years old, JJ Gabriel is quickly becoming a household name among Manchester United fans.
Gabriel is United’s very own Max Dowman, who recently broke the record as the youngest ever Premier League goalscorer for Arsenal.
United are creating a first-team pathway for Gabriel following his impressive rise in the academy, and his senior debut could come as early as next season.
JJ Gabriel in Manchester United kit holding shirt.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo has been blown away by JJ Gabriel…
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JJ Gabriel
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Man Utd academy chief wants caution around JJ Gabriel
At the start of the season, United appointed Stephen Torpey as academy director, replacing Nick Cox in the role.
Speaking on Manchester United’s YouTube channel, Torpey was asked about the spotlight on United youngsters and the importance of keeping to the process.
“It’s paramount because we can forget that we’re human. We can get carried away when we see our club doing well, and we see league positions, but it’s about stepping back and realising that we work with children,” Torpey said.
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“That is a really important thing. We have to think about the journey they go on.
“If people are super talented and they’re ready, we will give them that opportunity, but we have to be cautious. We know they are capable, but we know what is coming down the line.
“If we over-expose and overpush some players, we could be at risk of injury and some severe things that stop and prevent them from playing. We have to manage that.
“The process of youth is incremental, check and challenge, constant reflection, understanding long-term potential and which opportunities are required to help that young person flourish.”
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 must find balance with JJ Gabriel
Torpey is right – it is often forgotten just how young Gabriel is because he has enough talent to be playing in the first team.
Gabriel is too young to make his senior debut for United, but there is a growing feeling that he could be involved in the first-team setup next season.
On one hand, United need to make sure that Gabriel stays grounded and continues developing at his current rate.
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But United are also under pressure because Barcelona and Real Madrid have shown interest in Gabriel, so there is an expectation that he will be promoted to senior football to keep him from looking elsewhere.
Expect Gabriel to be involved in pre-season training over the summer, and whoever is the new head coach of United has a big decision to make on his future.
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