Picture: Amorim meets “Kid Messi” and promotes him, 14yo wonderkid set to join first-team training – BBC

Manchester United’s academy has always come up clutch with regards to producing top talents for the first team.

Ruben Amorim has already reaped the benefits of United’s production line last season, as he handed Chido Obi, Tyler Fredricson, and Harry Amass their senior debuts.

Another wonderkid has also caught his eye — JJ Gabriel. In fact, the 14-year-old was handed the royal treatment during the Arsenal game as he watched on from the director’s box at Old Trafford.

Christopher Vivell, the club’s director of recruitment, reportedly took out time to speak to him and his family with the Red Devils leaving no stone unturned to make sure the England U15 international does not think about jumping ship.

JJ Gabriel meets Amorim

There were murmurs that he could leave amid interest from plenty of Europe’s elite sides, but “crucial intervention” from sporting director Jason Wilcox ensured the wonderkid remained at Carrington, as he signed a new two-year deal.

Once he turns 16, there will be even more chatter surrounding his future, and Amorim is keen to ensure he stays at United, having been impressed with the videos he has seen of the youngster.

The head coach was pictured with JJ Gabriel at Carrington on Thursday and as per The BBC, the youngster was informed that he would be part of first-team training on occasions this season.

🚨📸 JJ Gabriel with Ruben Amorim. #MUFC [via @joeoc8710] pic.twitter.com/ldXhjqIxWl

— mufcmpb2 (@mufcMPB2_) August 21, 2025

“Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has been told he will train with Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad at times this season even though he is too young to be part of the club’s FA Youth Cup quest this term.

“Amorim has now met the youngster at United’s Carrington training ground. The United head coach will be seeing more of Gabriel as he will be drafted into the first team training group on occasion.

Set for massive promotion

“While it is not unusual for academy players to train with the first team, especially immediately after games when some senior members of Amorim’s squad are doing recovery work, it is rare for the youngest players in the Under-18 set-up to do so.”

Last season, “Kid Messi”, as he is called on social media, made his debut for the U18s, scoring three times in as many games.

The attacker will remain with Darren Fletcher’s side, but will not be part of the FA Youth Cup squad due to his young age.  Players have to be born before the cut-off date of 31 August 2010 to be eligible.

Hopefully, the teenager will realise that his interests are best served by staying put in Manchester after his meeting with the Portuguese tactician.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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