Manchester United have produced some of the finest young footballers the game has ever seen — and early signs suggest that JJ Gabriel may one day sit among the very best of them.
The 15-year-old attacking midfielder has won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the prize, surpassing Angel Gomes who won it at 16 years and 8 months back in 2017. It is a list that includes Norman Whiteside, Mark Hughes, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Marcus Rashford, and Kobbie Mainoo — footballing royalty, each and every one of them.
Gabriel's season has been extraordinary. He made his Under-18 debut back in April at just 14 years old against Leeds United — and announced himself in spectacular fashion, scoring twice and becoming the youngest player in the club's history to score for the U18 side. This season, he went on to register 26 goals and four assists across 29 appearances in all competitions.
Among his finest moments was a hat-trick in a stunning 7-0 demolition of Liverpool in November, before going on to score against the same opponents again at Carrington last month. He also helped the U18 side reach the FA Youth Cup final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Manchester City on Wednesday.
Despite FA age regulations preventing a senior debut this campaign, Gabriel has already been training regularly with the first team — and has made a serious impression on senior players. Bryan Mbeumo reportedly singled the teenager out for special praise during a training session, which speaks volumes about the quality and maturity the boy already possesses.
At 15, JJ Gabriel already feels like the real deal. Old Trafford may not have to wait long.
