It’s a huge week for Darren Fletcher and his Manchester United under-18s squad as they prepare for the FA Youth Cup final against Man City.
Manchester United’s U18s are in contention to win the league title and FA Youth Cup this season.
There was disappointment for Darren Fletcher’s side, though, after losing the Premier League Cup final against Crystal Palace on penalties.
That means Fletcher and his players will be trying to ensure they lift silverware by beating Man City at the Joie Stadium.
City have rejected the Etihad as a venue: Where should the FA YOUTH CUP FINAL be held?
Darren Fletcher enjoys working with JJ Gabriel
The excitement building around JJ Gabriel is hard to contain as a United fan.
Gabriel received the Premier League U-18 Player of the Season award during the week ahead of the end of what has been an impressive campaign for the teenager.
Of course, we must be wary of the fact that there have been many exciting prospects down the years who didn’t go on to reach their full potential at the club.
Perhaps the name that jumps to mind before most is Ravel Morrison, who won the FA Youth Cup alongside Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard in 2011.
Everyone wants the best for Gabriel and for his best years to come in United’s first team, but he has yet to play at the senior level at the age of 15.
Fletcher warns that Gabriel is still a kid, but he was full of praise for the youngster and his willingness to improve.
“JJ’s an amazing talent,” Fletcher told the BBC.
“He is a fantastic kid. He brings an enthusiasm to the pitch every day to learn, to be on the ball. He’s desperate to do better, to improve and to learn. He takes constructive criticism well, and I’ve got a great relationship with him.
“I do think we need to remember he is a kid and also he’s been part of a really good team, and the players have helped him as well.
“But JJ has scored the goals and goals always get the limelight. He has a major future and is somebody I’ve enjoyed working with immensely.
“His next steps are something people above me will decide. We want him to go up there and thrive, so we need to get him in the position to do that.”
Gabriel will have more opportunities to play in the FA Youth Cup, unlike many of his teammates this season, but he will still be super eager to lift the trophy on Thursday night.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Darren Fletcher hails Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel
- Gabriel is aiming for FA Youth Cup final success against Man City on Thursday night
- Fletcher warns that Gabriel is still a kid with lots to learn before making it at the senior level
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But how excited are you by the youngster's breakthrough at Manchester United? What are your expectations?
Darren Fletcher confirms Man Utd offered to host FA Youth Cup final
Fletcher also confirmed United offered to hold the FA Youth Cup final at Old Trafford, but it will instead be played at the Joie Stadium.
That has resulted in a shortage of tickets for United fans, while the players miss out on the opportunity to play the final in front of a huge crowd.
Fletcher also told BBC: “We tried, because we really wanted a big stadium, and Old Trafford would have been an amazing occasion for the players, for everyone.
“Obviously we’re disappointed, because I think part of this competition is about playing in these big venues.
“This competition has a special history. Players who have gone on and won Premier Leagues still talk about how amazing it was to win with their youth team and their friends.
“We’re disappointed for everyone, the Man City players, our players, coaches on both sides and the fans.”
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