Manchester United have a future world-class player coming through the ranks in the form of 14-year-old JJ Gabriel.
The teenager turns 15 on October 6th, yet he has already established himself to be one of the most exciting talents in the country.
JJ Gabriel broke onto the U18 scene last season, immediately making easy work of the league, and this season, he has taken things up a level, looking far too good despite playing four years up.
Seven goals in the U18 Premier League this season mean Manchester United cannot help but get excited by his almost paranormal domination of every level he plays at.
Gabriel has been unstoppable for United, playing as a number nine in Darren Fletcher’s system, despite his size, which has seen his technical brilliance shine through.
Ruben Amorim detailed Cristiano Ronaldo work ethic to JJ Gabriel
There have only been a handful of Carrington talents more impressive so early than Gabriel has been, with his ability thought to be similar to Lamine Yamal at the same age.
A signal of the club’s excitement over the 14-year-old was that Ruben Amorim had a meeting with Gabriel earlier this season, as the two were pictured together at the new Carrington training facility.
Now, the Manchester Evening News has detailed the content of this meeting, with Cristiano Ronaldo raised as an example by Amorim.
Amorim – who played with Ronaldo for Portugal – took time with Gabriel, detailing the legendary forward’s hard work and work ethic as a key factor in his success.
The report notes that Gabriel already has an immense work ethic for a player his age, as he almost lives the life of a professional footballer, doing everything possible to make his dream a reality.
Amorim also discussed his own footballing philosophy, sharing insight with Gabriel, who is likely to be United’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant.
Manchester United academy coaches are struggling to believe how good Gabriel is
In an effort to keep hold of the talented forward, United locked Gabriel down until his 16th birthday in June, with a scholarship deal, which will hopefully become a pre-professional contract to avoid losing the wonderkid.
Within the Manchester Evening News’ report, it is added that academy coaches at United have marvelled at Gabriel’s skillset and have ‘struggled’ to find a weakness within his game, despite playing against older opponents.
This season, Rio Ferdinand has even been impressed by Gabriel, comparing him to Wayne Rooney for being so talented at a youthful age.
Amorim has told Gabriel that he will get first-team training opportunities this season despite not being eligible to play due to his age, with this likely a method of proving he is best placed at Old Trafford.
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