Man Utd wonderkid is the ‘heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne’, Ineos must do everything to keep him

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Manchester United has the next Cristiano Ronaldo in the academy but faces a fight to keep him.

Over the past couple of years, the first team picture at Manchester United has been terrible with the club now on course to finish in the bottom half.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
12	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	27	9	9	9	35	33	2	36
13	TottenhamTottenham	27	10	3	14	53	39	14	33
14	Man UtdManchester United	27	9	6	12	33	39	-6	33
15	West HamWest Ham	27	9	6	12	32	47	-15	33
16	EvertonEverton	27	7	11	9	30	34	-4	32

Due to this, there are more eyes than ever on the academy with Carrington having several talents who are showing the potential to become elite.

Chido Obi is the latest example as the 17-year-old made the step up recently and already looks right at home against Premier League opposition. Obi was impressive against Fulham in the FA Cup and his performances will benefit others.

Amir Ibragimov is widely seen as the next sure-thing luxury player to make the step up in the coming years, but there is a U16 who United have to fast-track and he’s now getting placed in the same bracket as Cristiano Ronaldo.

• READ MORE: Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football’s most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend

Nike have labelled JJ Gabriel as the next Cristiano Ronaldo

Despite being just 14, JJ Gabriel is already becoming a player fans are excited by and it is clear to see why this is the case. Gabriel has been compared with Lionel Messi, with his ability similar to the Argentine great.

Gabriel has been tearing it up for United’s youth levels and is expected to be fast-tracked up the ranks which is a testament to his ability.

It is not only United fans who are high on Gabriel’s ability, as his pitch from Nike has showcased.

Over the past few weeks, both Nike and Adidas were attempting to sign Gabriel to deals which would see him a sponsored athlete.

Nike have since won this, with their pitch to the 14-year-old proving irresistible. It has now emerged through journalist Nathan Salt for the Daily Mail what he was told.

Nike made it a key part of their pitch, to tell Gabriel that they saw him as ‘next in line to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne’, while he was also labelled the ‘heir’ to become the future face of Nike’s Mercurial brand.

Gabriel is among the most sought-after talents in world football, and United face a real battle to hold onto him.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

JJ Gabriel already better than Premier League players amid Real Madrid interest

Gabriel is one of Europe’s elite talents and at 14, United face a real battle to keep hold of him in the coming seasons.

Real Madrid are interested in Gabriel, which is thought to be on top of several others including Real Madrid to be keen on signing the forward.

Dan Ashworth is a fan of the teenager, and club insiders familiar with Gabriel’s game suggest he may already be even better than some Premier League players.

Gabriel has been training with the U18s throughout this season and regularly appears in warm-ups to games such as in the FA Youth Cup.

United are tipped with promoting Gabriel to the U18s before this season comes to a close. With his ability and interest elsewhere United may need to fast-track him, with assurances of a quick route to senior football in the coming years.

Ineos are building for the future, and need to sell Gabriel on this. Alongside Chido Obi, United have some potential world-beaters, let’s just hope Gabriel is retained.