Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick certainly liked what he saw from JJ Gabriel and the rest of the U18 team, who had a field day against Derby.The Red Devils have been enjoying a superb start to the week. On Monday evening, Benjamin Sesko’s winner secured a valuable Premier League victory for the first team over their hosts, Everton.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYOn the same day, Man Utd U21 beat Leicester City U21 by four goals to one, with Chido Obi cementing himself as the ultimate star of the show by bagging a super hat-trick. Michael Carrick, Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate here to watch the u18s again#MUFC #MUAcademyClip from MUTV pic.twitter.com/sEysiDrop1 — UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) February 25, 2026On Wednesday afternoon, it was the U18s’ time to shine under the watchful eye of Michael Carrick, who was watching from pitchside, accompanied by his first-team collaborators Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate.JJ Gabriel bags a brace for Man Utd U18 against DerbyMan Utd U18 confirmed their spectacular form by smashing six goals past Derby in a U18 Premier League contest, with the final scoreline showing 6-1. Once again, JJ Gabriel stole the headlines, this time by scoring a brace and providing a fabulous assist.The outstanding 15-year-old scored United’s second goal with an unstoppable strike to the top corner, and then added another in the second half through a brilliant long-range effort. JJ Gabriel vs Derby u18s Another 2 goals & an assist for the 15-year-old ⚽️⚽️🅰️ This season for the u18s (league only):18 goals ⚽️3 assists 🅰️#MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/4aQzff14Hr — UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) February 25, 2026The wonderkid has been tipped to become the Premier League’s youngest-ever debutant, but he won’t be eligible to play until next season, as the league’s regulations prevent players who didn’t turn 15 before August 31st from playing during the 2025/26 season. The young forward celebrated his 15th birthday in October.Gabriel also emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona, but United have been fighting tooth and nail to ward off all suitors.Noah Ajayi produced a superb outing, Kai Rooney provided an assistWhile Gabriel was once again the centre of attention, Noah Ajayi’s exploits did not go unnoticed. The 17-year-old won the spot-kick converted by Gabriel, who returned the favour with a lovely assist for the third goal. Noah Ajayi vs Derby u18s 2 brilliant goals from him today. Was brilliant all game and won the penalty for the 2nd goal too ⚽️⚽️🅰️#MUFC #MUAcademyClips from MUTV pic.twitter.com/rP4TpuML57 — UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) February 25, 2026The German-Nigerian teenager capped off a brilliant performance for himself and the entire team by scoring an incredible sixth goal after a wonderful solo effort. HIGHLIGHTS; Manchester United u18s 6-1 Derby u18s ⚽️ Louie Bradbury x2, JJ Gabriel x2, Noah Ajayi x2🅰️ Noah Ajayi, JJ Gabriel, Dan Armer, Kai Rooney #MUFC #MUAcademyClip from MUTV pic.twitter.com/Kh2YJzhi04 — UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) February 25, 2026While Carrick and Co. were certainly delighted with what they saw, Wayne Rooney also had a proud moment.The legendary striker was spotted in the stands as he got to see his son, Kai, provide the assist for the last goal scored by Ajayi. Wayne Rooney also present to watch the u18s at Carrington this afternoon. Kai Rooney is on the bench #MUFC #MUAcademy @MUFCEDIT pic.twitter.com/ooW8mhLRgX — UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) February 25, 2026The 16-year-old started the contest on the bench, but he was able to make a positive impact following his second-half introduction.
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