Manchester United’s Academy director, Stephen Torpey, feels the need to manage the expectations on JJ Gabriel’s shoulders as the youngster aims to make history in the FA Youth Cup final against Man City.
There has been lots of excitement at Manchester United this week ahead of Thursday night’s FA Youth Cup final against Man City, who Darren Fletcher’s under-18 side beat to book a place in the Premier League away at Brighton.
While there is disappointment over the final being held at the Joie Stadium, with family members of players and thousands of United fans missing out on tickets, there’s still a match to be won.
United are looking to make history by becoming the first English club to win the FA Youth Cup for a 12th time. JJ Gabriel, at the age of 15, has a chance to play a significant role in that.
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Stephen Torpey verdict on JJ Gabriel
Stephen Torpey had big shoes to fill when he became United’s Academy director, replacing Nick Cox, who had done a lot of good for the football club before joining Everton.
The main objective for the academy is to produce players for the first team, develop every member and prepare them all for the senior game.
Torpey is the man responsible for leading Carrington’s next generation, and many will tell you that 15-year-old Gabriel is currently among the most exciting prospects at the club.
Gabriel has 23 goals in 23 games for the under-18s, but he hopes the next step in his career will be winning the FA Youth Cup.
Although Gabriel has trained with United’s first team this season, Torpey acknowledges his ‘unbelievable’ ability but warns that his expectations must be managed.
“At his age, what he’s accomplishing at the moment is terrific and we’re really proud of that,” Torpey told Sky Sports.
“We’ve got to be careful that we don’t get too carried away with all of our players and put unnecessary pressure on them – we just need to create that environment where he can go and be himself and when we do that, like we’ve seen this season, he’s produced some unbelievable things.”
Fletcher hailed Gabriel for taking constructive criticism on board, so it sounds like United have a good character on their hands.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Stephen Torpey is eager to manage JJ Gabriel’s expectation at Manchester United
- Gabriel, 15, will feature in the FA Youth Cup final against Man City on Thursday night
- He has scored 23 goals in 23 games for the under-18s this season
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Stephen Torpey sends message to JJ Gabriel
Gabriel will be old enough to graduate from United’s academy next season, but it remains to be seen if the youngster will feature in any of the pre-season friendlies this summer.
Torpey was asked about Gabriel’s status ahead of the end of the season, whether he will be part of the pre-season games, but he said that the decision will be left to the head coach.
“Ultimately, I’m not the head coach of Manchester United and there are a lot of things that we will need to happen for that to come to fruition,” Torpey added.
“The most important thing is he keeps his feet on the ground, which he does and he performs and works hard every single day.
“Then who knows? His talent will shine. If he continues to grow and develop in the way that he’s done this season, like others, then he’ll give the head coach some decisions to make.”
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