Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel continued his rapid rise on Thursday by scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah FK.
The 15-year-old was at the centre of United Under-19s’ 5-0 victory at Leigh Sports Village, adding another memorable night to what has already been an impressive start to his development.
Amir Ibragimov and Jacob Watson put Manchester United in control early on before JJ Gabriel joined the party just before half-time. He then struck twice more late in the game to complete his hat-trick and take home the match ball.
Gabriel’s performance also saw him become Manchester United’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League.
JJ Gabriel keeps pushing towards United first team
The forward has already attracted plenty of attention around the club. He made his first-team debut off the bench during last month’s friendly against Atletico Madrid, although he is yet to feature in one of Michael Carrick’s competitive matchday squads.
Carrick has previously called JJ Gabriel a “big talent” but stressed that United must be careful with his development. Ryan Giggs has also called JJ Gabriel a ‘generational talent’ and needed to be protected.
“JJ is a big talent, it’s pretty obvious to know that and he’s had a really good season for the Under-18s,” Carrick said.
Gabriel scored 28 goals in 35 appearances for the Under-18s last season before stepping up to the Under-21s this term.
He has already made an impact at Premier League 2 level too, registering two goals and two assists from his opening two appearances.
Now his Youth League debut has added another highlight, and the teenager looks increasingly difficult to ignore as he continues knocking on Carrick’s door.
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