Manchester United’s teenage sensation JJ Gabriel scored his first goal at Old Trafford with a jubilant knee slide in front of the Stretford End, raising hopes it was the start of more to come. Gabriel made history on Tuesday night as the youngest player to represent United in the FA Youth Cup, at just 15 years, two months and three days old, surpassing Omari Forson’s previous record (15 years, four months). This is according to online records dating back to the 2006/2007 season.
Gabriel could become United’s youngest ever Premier League player next season. The current record holders are Angel Gomez (16 years and 263 days), Shola Shoretire (17 years and 19 days), and Chido Obi (17 years and 79 days). Gabriel is ineligible to play in the Premier League this season due to rules requiring players to be 15 years old by August 31 of the campaign period, but he could break United’s record next season.
The club’s Under-18s have a rich history in the Youth Cup, and although no club has won more, they were heavily favored to start the campaign with a win over Peterborough. Unfortunately, the only notable person in attendance at the Director’s Box was Academy Director Stephen Torpey.
Not a single member of Jason Wilcox or Reuben Amorim’s coaching staff was seen, and it now seems a given that Erik ten Hag would visit Altrincham to watch an Under-21s game in September 2022.
Gabriel has already been introduced to Amorim and recently attended his first senior training session, with Amorim declaring in a press conference: “I know he’s a really talented guy.”
The hundreds of spectators at Old Trafford, mostly friends and family of the players, didn’t have to wait long to see Gabriel’s talent for speed and skill down the left flank. The youngster, who has been dubbed “the next Neymar,” has shown dribbling abilities reminiscent of the Brazilian winger in his prime.
Lewis Bradbury wasted a chance to take the lead in the game by dragging a shot wide of right field. All young strikers miss chances, but Gabriel is no ordinary teenager and was relentless in converting his first chance.
He was highly regarded, and Omar Berada and Wilcox made last-minute negotiations to keep him over the summer. All of Europe’s major clubs are keen to snap up the teenager.
United have reportedly offered Gabriel a box at the new Old Trafford, due to be completed by 2030, and staff believe he can become the club’s figurehead if he remains in Manchester.
Darren Fletcher, who took over as Under-18s manager last summer, has been praised for his management of young talent Gabriel this season, with a focus on maximizing possession.
This strategy has proven effective in most matches. Give the ball to Gabriel and he will create chances. The result is often stylish goals from the youngster, as evidenced by his 11th goal of the season against Peterborough, making only his 12th appearance.
As I watched Gabriel break through Peterborough’s defense under the floodlights, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities to Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho was instrumental in the 2021/22 Youth Cup success, scoring seven goals, but Gabriel looks set to exceed that tally this term.
But Gabriel alone won’t help United win another Youth Cup. It will take a concerted effort and United will be counting on talented players such as Bendito Mantat, Jim Thwaites, Godwill Kukonki and Daniel Armor to lead the way.
