United agree deal with generational talent, Wilcox made a crucial move to find breakthrough – report

Manchester United have found a breakthrough in their attempts to secure JJ Gabriel’s long-term future at the club.

There’s a lot of excitement at United around the 14-year-old, who marked his debut for the Under-18s with two goals against Leeds United in April.

The England U15 international is capable of playing as a winger as well as a centre-forward, and is considered one of the most gifted talents in his age group. 

His eye-catching dribbling ability and style of play have impressed many and has earned him the “Kid Messi” nickname.

At the same time, figures at Carrington have had a tense past few months, amid interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. 

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming that United “know they are in a battle to keep him with two key windows, one at 14 and one at 16, important in academy football.”

It was reported that the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid have all shown interest in snatching Gabriel from United.

However, according to the Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt, the young Englishman has committed to staying at United.

Salt writes: “The 14-year-old looked set to leave this summer before a crucial intervention from Jason Wilcox and Matt Hargreaves. Key meetings in past week swung it.”

Wilcox has become the most influential figure at United when it comes to recruitment for Ruben Amorim and his impact is visible at youth level too.

Shining the light on the length of the agreement between Gabriel and United, Salt reveals: “Another window to move opens at 16 but past 7 days has been incredibly positive about his future at Utd beyond that.”

Ineos have shown a lot of ambition by targeting top Premier League players for Amorim despite missing out on European football. At the same time, the club’s hierarchy have focused on strengthening United’s youth sides.

Earlier this summer, the Red Devils beat PSG to the signing of exciting French prospect Enzo Kana-Biyik.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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