Manchester United’s academy currently boasts a country-leading crop of talented youngsters, with one U16 sticking out.
It is around this time of the season that the academy groups begin welcoming new names from lower age categories, with the biggest talents moving to the next level.
Manchester United’s U18 side has already seen this over the past few weeks with a couple of U16 players stepping up.
Louie Bradbury scored his first United U18 goal recently, while youngster Jariyah Shah has also been moving up more regularly. Both have looked sharp for United and played a part in recent weeks which should indicate they are among the most highly rated within the club.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Between now and May multiple other U16 prospects are due to be called up by Adam Lawrence as he will be raided for his star players by the U21s and potentially even Ruben Amorim.
Bassirou Nkoto has been sensational this season for United and deserves to move up, while the Red Devils very own Neymar could soon be given the chance to move up.
JJ Gabriel is impressing the U18 squad in training
One player many are excited to see against increased opposition is the U16 phenomenon, JJ Gabriel.
The electric winger is incredibly highly rated within Carrington and has the club very excited about his ability. Gabriel is dubbed as a mini Lionel Messi and for good reason, with clips of the 14-year-old showing him to be a big talent.
Due to this billing, it is now being reported by Mail Online that Gabriel is expected to be fast-tracked through the academy with an U18 debut already in the pipeline despite being four years younger than the level.
The report claims Gabriel is edging nearer to his debut, while he has already been training regularly with the U18s. It is added that the talented teenager has been wowing his new U18 teammates during training with his technical ability catching the eye.
Gabriel will have confidence in implementing himself well at U18 level with Bradbury, another star for the Under 16s, recently stepping up and holding his own with the Under 18s.
Adam Lawrence could soon see Gabriel become the next breakout start despite his age.
Manchester United may have to fast-track JJ Gabriel
It says a lot about how rated Gabriel is that he has already interacted with the senior side. Marcus Rashford took penalties with Gabriel in training before he left for Aston Villa.
So with such a talent in the ranks – albeit very young – United will rightfully be desperate to hold onto Gabriel, but in order to do this the club might have to fast-track.
It has been rumoured over the past few months that Europe’s elite sides such as Barcelona are eyeing up a move for Gabriel who is yet to sign a professional contract with United.
United are probably on the back foot to retain an incredible talent like Gabriel given the current standing of the club. However, if Ineos want to retain the wing wizard then it could take an early pre-contract deal – which would make sense if he is to be an U18 imminently.
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