JJ Gabriel was on the scoresheet again as Manchester United U18s closed the gap at the top of the U18 Premier League table
JJ Gabriel celebrates scoring a goal for Manchester United U18s
JJ Gabriel continues to impress for Man United's U18s (Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United will give JJ Gabriel a chance to feature for the first team ahead of the new season as he continues to impress for the club’s Under-18s side, according to reports. The 15-year-old scored his 21st goal in 23 appearances in all competitions this weekend.
He was on the scoresheet in Saturday’s 3-0 U-18 Premier League win over Blackburn, as they closed the gap on rivals Manchester City in the fight for the league title. Gabriel opened the scoring at the start of the second half to send his team on their way to three points.
He was joined on the scoresheet by Kai Rooney, the son of United legend Wayne, who came off the bench to get his name on the scoresheet. Jim Thwaites made it 3-0 with a stunning free-kick.
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Gabriel’s goalscoring form has led to a lot of excitement among United fans over the youngster. It seems that he will get the chance to show what he can do during pre-season.
According to The Sun, the teenager is one of the club’s youngsters who could be fast-tracked and included in the travelling squad for United’s pre-season trip around Europe, with five friendlies set to be held in European cities.
He will be given the chance due to this summer’s World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to finish a week later than usual, meaning that players who go beyond the group stage could be set for extra time off and therefore miss some of pre-season.
The manager could therefore turn to the club’s youngsters to make up the numbers. Those players will be looking to catch the eye ahead of the new season.
Who that manager could be is still to be seen, with Michael Carrick icurrently in interim charge until the end of the current season.
JJ Gabriel during the U18 Premier League Cup match between Manchester United U18s & West Ham United U18s at Carrington Training Ground.
JJ Gabriel could be given a chance during pre-season for Man United(Image: Poppy Townson - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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United have had a positive upturn of results under the former midfielder, leading to some calls that he should be given the job on a more permanent basis.
However, United continue to be linked with other managers as possible replacements. Oliver Glasner, Gareth Southgate and Roberto De Zerbi are among those to be linked with the role.