Man Utd think standout academy talent has a ‘world-class’ ceiling, expect him to develop ‘rapidly’

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Manchester United’s academy is currently one of the best in the entire country, and there is a standout talent who is set for the top.

New academy director Stephen Torpey has arrived at Carrington, with the work of outgoing Nick Cox on full display.

Manchester United’s academy has some of the most talented footballers aged 14 to 19, many of whom have the ability and potential to earn big futures at Old Trafford.

U18 head coach Darren Fletcher is doing an incredible job, taking charge in a transition season, yet mounting a serious title challenge, which only an unfortunate Manchester City comeback from 2-0 down denied him top spot.

Fletcher has been wowing United chiefs with his management talent and potential, while the club hierarchy is also particularly excited by one academy talent.

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Manchester United think JJ Gabriel can be world-class

With United’s academy packed with so much talent, it takes an awful lot for a player to stand out, but this season, 14-year-old JJ Gabriel has made himself the most exciting prospect at the club.

Gabriel has been in red-hot form for United’s U18s, scoring seven U18 Premier League goals this season despite being up against opponents often three or four years his senior.

Playing so many years up is impressive enough, but the teenager makes it look easy, running rings around his opposition. As his stock rises, Gabriel has impressed Rio Ferdinand with his performances this season.

According to the Daily Mail, the United hierarchy are expecting Gabriel’s development to accelerate ‘rapidly’ as he continues to make a mockery of U18 football.

The club sees Gabriel as having a ‘world-class’ ceiling as a player, which shows how highly United rates the 14-year-old forward.

The report adds that Jason Wilcox is a big believer in Gabriel, and this explains the fast-tracking that the wonderkid is set to undergo.

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Manchester United will be desperate for JJ Gabriel to realise his potential at Old Trafford

Gabriel is so talented that we can be almost certain he will be a top player in his career; the big question is whether it will be at United.

The Daily Mail claimed that Gabriel remains one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich mentioned as suitors. This is the case despite Gabriel signing a new United contract in June.

Gabriel and his family seem committed to United right now, with the route to the first team well-travelled; however, with Amorim at the helm, concern could grow.

This is due to Wayne Rooney admitting his concern over Kai Rooney’s chances at United, with the club DNA being thrown away by Amorim.

Amorim needs to fix this perception quickly, as a manager won’t survive at United without using youth, sticking to club DNA, and having the likes of Rooney on his side.

Losing Gabriel would be a massive blow, and Ineos must ensure the manager this time next year is open to playing a 15-year-old and integrating him into the team.