Man Utd wonderkid likened to Pedri leaves fans in awe as JJ Gabriel scores vs Man City

Manchester United U18 beat their rivals Manchester City U18 by three goals to one, as JJ Gabriel and Jim Thwaites both got on the scoresheet.On Saturday, the Cityzens hosted the second Derby of the season. The home side entered the contest as the league leaders, with their crosstown neighbours right behind them in the table.Due to their league status and their home advantage, Oliver Reib’s boys were considered the favourites heading into the game, but Darren Fletcher’s side pulled off the upset, prevailing by three goals to one.JJ Gabriel & Jim Thwaites put on brilliant displays for Man Utd U18As usual, JJ Gabriel played an integral part in Man Utd’s win. The 15-year-old wonderkid broke the deadlock as he breezed past his marker before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper from long range with a simple finish.The teenager had already scored in the reverse fixture, which ended with a 4-2 win for Man City, and he had also tormented Liverpool earlier this year by scoring a superb hat-trick. JJ Gabriel vs City u18s (a) Another goal for the 15-year-old and that’s 2 against City this year, with 3 against Liverpool. He loves a derby ⚽️#MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/e26n3hWhGu — UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) February 14, 2026Gabriel is now considered the ultimate jewel of United’s youth system, and he justified his status once more with yet another unbelievable display, as he repeatedly dribbled past his opponents with confidence and ease.Chido Obi then doubled the scoring for the Red Devils in the 84th minute, but Tyrone Samba halved the deficit a minute later.Nevertheless, United reserved the best for last, as Thwaites put the match to bed with an astonishing 90th-minute free-kick. Jim Thwaites vs City u18s (a) Another free kick goal 💫 So good to have him back #MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/5AQdEPs2Vl — UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) February 14, 2026What will the future hold for Thwaites at Man UnitedThe 18-year-old had just returned from a brief spell on the sidelines, and he showed Man Utd what they were missing. The deep-lying playmaker pulled the strings in the middle of the park, pulling off a series of sublime passes, while also displaying his neat dribbling.(Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)Thwaites has already been compared to Barcelona playmaker Pedri for his ability to maintain possession while under pressure. The teenager is capable of playing in front of the backline, but also as an attacking midfielder. Thwaites Stats in 25/26 Appearances Goals Assists U18 Premier League 13 4 1 National League Cup 3 0 2 Premier League Int. Cup U21 2 0 0 FA Youth Cup 1 0 0 Total 19 4 3 Due to the first team’s limited commitments this season, Thwaites and other Man Utd youngsters are unlikely to earn their senior debuts, but perhaps the midfielder will soon earn a promotion to the club’s U21 side coached by Adam Lawrence.