JJ Gabriel is planning for a successful run in the FA Youth Cup after starring in Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Oxford United.
Manchester United booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night, after a convincing display against Oxford.
It was United starlet JJ Gabriel who excited the fans most, controlling the game and scoring his 16th goal of the season following a beautiful strike, having lost his man with a quick turn and drop of the shoulder.
Goals from Albert Mills and Gabriel gave United a comfortable lead at the break, while further goals from Chido Obi and Noah Ajayi secured a place in the next round for Darren Fletcher’s U18 side.
Who was Man United’s standout performer in the FA Youth Cup win vs Oxford United?
What did you think of the performnace and who was your man of the match?
Josh Holton scored the only goal for Oxford.
Michael Carrick was in attendance to watch the 15-year-old impress, as one leading journalist raved about Gabriel’s performance.
United’s academy possesses a special player because it is extremely rare to see a youngster at Gabriel’s age dominate games in the FA Youth Cup.
It also bodes well that Gabriel’s relentless work rate has been highlighted as a strength in the forward’s game.
JJ Gabriel reacts to latest FA Youth Cup win over Oxford United
Gabriel is among the most exciting young prospects at United right now.
It’s very promising that he is comfortable playing against players three years older, despite having less experience.
Gabriel is not the first prospect in United’s academy to excite, and he won’t be the last; however, he must overcome the many potential pitfalls that face developing footballers.
But for now, Gabriel will have his eyes set on winning the FA Youth Cup as United look to win the competition for a record 12th time.
Gabriel took to Instagram to react to United’s 4-1 win over Oxford United, with four photos accompanying his post. He wrote: “Jobs not done yet,” which is a clear indication that the youngster is aiming to go all the way in the FA Youth Cup this season.
United will face the winner of Sunderland vs Brighton in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals, with that fifth round tie taking place on Tuesday night.
Neither of those teams will be looking forward to the prospect of facing Gabriel.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
Who is the youngest player to play for Man Utd at senior level?
Although Gabriel cannot feature in the Premier League this season, the youngster could break a record next season, depending on whether he is given a debut that early.
United will be patient with Gabriel’s development because it would be unnecessary to rush such a 15-year-old into the first team.
However, it raises the question about who is the youngest player to play at the senior level for United.
The answer is former United goalkeeper David Gaskell, who was 16-years-old and 19 days old when he made his debut in the 1956 FA Charity Shield.
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