JJ Gabriel has been sensational in Manchester United’s academy this season and has been confirmed to be a first-team player.
JJ Gabriel is on the verge of a great summer at Manchester United (Image: (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images))
JJ Gabriel’s summer plans have taken shape following the announcement of Manchester United’s pre-season schedule. The 15-year-old has been in excellent form with the academy this season and the club are planning to bring him into the first team on a trip to Europe ahead of the 2026/27 season.
United begin pre-season in Helsinki, Finland, against Wrexham on July 18th, before traveling to Trondheim, Norway, to face Rosenborg on July 24th. Next up is Atlético Madrid, whose match is scheduled to take place on August 1st in Stockholm, Sweden.
A friendly against Paris Saint-Germain will be played in Gothenburg, Sweden, on August 8th, while fellow Premier League side Leeds United are scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain on August 12th at Croke Park in Dublin. The European tour will conclude on August 15th in Wrocław, Poland, with AC Milan as the opponents.
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Gabriel has found the back of the net in each of the Under-18s’ last six games in the Premier League and will be keen to make his mark in a first-team environment. United’s young players currently occupy second place in the table, separated by local rivals City on goal difference.
During this period, United also reached the Under-18 Premier League Cup final, with Gabriel finding the back of the net in a comeback victory over West Ham United. Fellow academy prospect Kai Rooney also scored, with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe watching, but he will miss the rest of the season with injury.
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As a result, he will miss the final against Crystal Palace later this month, and the blame lies with Gabriel.
The latter’s performance apparently caught the attention of manager Michael Carrick, who praised the teenager despite not being able to select him.
Carrick, who has attended several academy games since taking over the reins, said in March: “He’s not allowed[to be in the first-team squad on match days]. He’s too young. JJ is doing really well.”
JJ Gabriel, Kai Rooney and Chido Obi have all had impressive performances in Manchester United’s academy.
“We have some really good players in our academy and we are trying to get as many young players up (in the main group) as possible.
“We always try to give them that exposure. It’s clear that JJ is a big talent and he’s had a good season for the U18s. We care a lot about him.”
“But patience is key in managing everything that comes with that, developing him, choosing the right time to step up and leaving them in a certain spot. He’s well trained and it’s good for young players to go up.”
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