Manchester United’s U18 side was in phenomenal form on Saturday morning, ridding any negative mood following the disappointing penalty shootout defeat last week.
It was only Monday night when Manchester United’s U18 side was beaten by Aston Villa on penalties, and that meant a big response was desired by the club this weekend on a return to league action.
Adam Lawrence fielded a young side without many of the stars from the U18s success this season, yet United smashed Leeds 13-1 in one of the most one-sided games we have ever seen.
United raced to a quick start and led 9-0 at half-time thanks to an incredible six goals from Victor Musa and then a hat-trick from Jim Thwaites.
The second half then saw James Bailey score with a brilliant finish, before Dan Armer converted Jack Fletcher’s corner, which made it 11-1 after Leeds had pulled one back.
However, the most exciting part of the game came late on, with JJ Gabriel making his debut and living up to expectations immediately.
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JJ Gabriel explodes onto the U18 scene for Manchester United
Gabriel is one of the most exciting talents at United, and he has been closing in on a U18 debut for the past few months, despite being just 14 years old.
Well, Saturday saw Gabriel finally handed the chance by Lawrence, and it is safe to say he lived up to the billing of his wonderkid potential as he replaced Thwaites in the 65th minute.
Gabriel showed some sharp moments, with excellent footwork and dribbles, which led to Leeds making risky tackles in the box – with Lawrence asking for a penalty on one occasion.
However, Gabriel put his name into the headlines for United in the 89th minute when he scored his first goal as an U18 for the club. Two minutes later, he grabbed a second.
Both goals were impressive finishes as he beat the goalkeeper, remaining composed despite the pressure. Gabriel’s second, in particular, was impressive as he took a magnetic first touch before beating two defenders with one motion and slotting it past the keeper.
It was a dream start for Gabriel and one which instantly places him among the most exciting players in the academy, right up there with other standout U18 players.
Gabriel also became a record breaker for United on Saturday, being the youngster player to make an appearance and youngster to score in U18 history at the club, which shows the level he is at.
Manchester United must give JJ Gabriel everything he wants
Gabriel looked right at home against Leeds, despite playing against defenders as many as four years older than him. Despite Gabriel being labelled the ‘kid Messi’, his dribbling and silky touch more resembles Brazilian football legend Neymar.
The ilk of his comparisons shows just how good Gabriel is, and for many, Saturday was the first real chance to watch him play beyond clips of his superb talent.
Upon viewing him in action for over 25 minutes, it is now crystal clear that he is a talent United cannot let slip out of their grasp and must offer him whatever he needs to secure his future as a United player.
United are doing the right thing in promoting him, with it likely to show Gabriel how highly he is rated, with a route to first-team football no doubt already being planned during talks over his future.
This is a once-in-a-generation talent. United could very easily fast-track him, and this time two years, he could be set in the first-team picture when he is 16/17.
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