Manchester United’s academy has had a successful season, reaching three finals across U18 and U21, with several players emerging as viable first-team options.
This past week has seen Manchester United defeated in the FA Youth Cup final, but they still have a chance to claim silverware in the Premier League 2 final on Saturday night.
Over the course of this season, United have had some incredible academy performers, with some of the best talents in the country.
But now, Wes Brown has picked out one talent he believes is ‘absolutely brilliant’.
Who was Manchester United U18s standout player in FA Youth Cup final defeat?
Some strong outings despite the loss..
Wes Brown hails JJ Gabriel
Friday was Manchester United’s internal awards ceremony, in which JJ Gabriel was named the Jimmy Murphy player of the year, which is for the U18s.
There couldn’t have been a more deserving winner of the award, as Gabriel notched up an incredible season with 26 goals and seven assists across all competitions, playing three years up.
On the Inside Carrington Podcast, United academy graduate 146, Wes Brown, has now been asked his thoughts on Gabriel.
“Yeah, absolutely brilliant. What a talent, you know. He’s obviously very skillful.
“He understands the game at such a young age. He’s been put in higher teams, so higher ages, and he still performs. So believe me when I say this, he’s going to be one to watch.
“And hopefully, you know, next season, more things happen for him. But at this moment, the way it’s going is going exactly how Manchester United wants it to go, and hopefully, he will keep it going well as well. But listen, he’s got all the talent.
“You can obviously see he’s an incredible player. Some of the assists and goals, just his technical ability in general, his pace, he’s got everything. And now it’s just about working hard.”
Gabriel has undoubtedly been the U18’s best player, and next season he is finally eligible to be challenged at a higher level, both U21 football and potentially even with the first-team.
At 15, Gabriel is the U18 Premier League player of the year, with his campaign unheard of for a player so young.
JJ Gabriel has been prolific in 2025/26: What is your INSTANT REACTION to his stunning academy season?
He won the U18s Premier League Player of the Year
Gabriel hails Manchester United U18 boss Darren Fletcher
In the past week, Darren Fletcher raved about Gabriel as well, joining Brown in calling the 15-year-old an elite talent.
Now, in the aftermath of winning his award at the club ceremony inside Carrington, Gabriel praised the impact of Fletcher on the podcast.
“I’m delighted, very delighted to work with him. He’s an amazing coach. He’s helped me so much this season to become a better player, to become my best version of myself.”
Fletcher has helped Gabriel’s development massively, with his work rate and decision-making in the final third improving over the course of this season.
Going forward, it’s more likely to be other coaches working the most with Gabriel, but he won’t ever forget Fletcher’s impact.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
