There is a “real expectation” Manchester United starlet JJ Gabriel will break the record for the club’s youngster ever debutant, according to a report.
Gabriel, 14, is the most highly-rated prospect in United’s academy with the forward having already played for the U-18 side this season, scoring a brace on his debut in the 13-1 demolition of Leeds.
Marcus Rashford has described the youngster as a “future star” and he has even been nicknamed “Kid Messi” such is his outrageous talent.
Gabriel has signed a sponsorship deal with Nike after a fierce battle amongst “a queue of brands” to secure the 14-year-old’s exclusivity – an extremely rare move for a player so young, but one which reflects the trajectory his skillset projects.
A host of clubs across Europe are interested in signing Gabriel with the player’s father recently shutting down a rumour that they were seeking to leave United.
But the potential of losing a generational talent appears to have pushed the Red Devils into accelerating Gabriel’s ascension through the ranks at Old Trafford.
Sources at the club have even suggested a first-team debut could come next season with a “real expectation” that Gabriel feature for Ruben Amorim’s side before his 16th birthday, according to The Sun.
The youngster turns 15 in October, meaning a start in next year’s campaign would trump the previous record-holder, David Gaskell. The goalkeeper made his debut at “16 years and 19 days but his historic outing dates back to 1956.”
The report states there are discussions taking place amongst senior executives about the best approach to carefully manage Gabriel’s progress.
“Now there are serious discussions at the club about how to handle his career, with a real expectation he will break the club’s record.
“Academy product Gabriel is seen as a starter before that age and it seems a matter of time, with a chance of a debut NEXT term, possibly in a cup competition.
“Gabriel is already a stand-out at Under-18 level, where United are trying but failing to keep him under wraps.”
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
