Manchester United included a new face in their first-team training session on Thursday.
JJ Gabriel took to Instagram to announce his big moment, revealing that he had trained with the senior players ahead of their Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.
He posted a story in his training gear and captioned it “First team training” with a tick mark symbol.
The teenage sensation is considered a generational talent, who could become a global superstar in the coming years.
United head coach Ruben Amorim is already a big fan of the academy starlet and has personally taken time to share his footballing philosophy with the youngster.
He also shared stories of the supreme work ethic Cristiano Ronaldo possessed to inspire the 15-year-old.
JJ Gabriel idolises Neymar and played as a left winger in his early days.
He is a flamboyant trickster, just like the Brazilian wizard.
However, United Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher has used him as a central striker this season.
The switch has paid off handsomely.
He already has seven goals and one assist in six Under-18 appearances this season.
It is clear that Gabriel is destined for success.
United must ensure they create a clear pathway for him to break into senior football or risk losing him to Europe’s elite clubs already circling.
The current record for United’s youngest-ever first-team player belongs to Angel Gomes, who made his debut at 16 years, 8 months, and 20 days against Crystal Palace in 2017.
Gabriel will be desperate to shatter that record and etch his name into the history books.
The youngster had tempting offers to leave Old Trafford this summer, but Director of Football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada intervened swiftly to convince him and his family that his future lies in Manchester.
Even in a decade where the United first team has struggled, the academy has continued to produce and nurture special talents.
Gabriel needs to focus on his development and not get ahead of himself.
If he keeps his head down and continues refining his game, there is little doubt he will soon be training not just with the first team but starting for it.
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Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .
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