Manchester United u18s opened their pre-season this weekend hosting Queens Park Rangers u18s at Carrington.
Following their training camp in Germany, United’s youngsters had their first pre-season friendly against the London club which was played behind closed doors.
The match was an opportunity for everyone in the u18s age group to get a run out, including some even younger players, with a totally changed line-up at half time.
Despite being just 14 years old, JJ Gabriel was among the names in the starting XI and he earned his place with a brilliant goal.
Initially tracking back with an exceptional slide tackle, Gabriel won the ball before bursting up-field to cut his marker inside and out and curl the ball inside the far corner.
🔝 class today well done Son 👏🏽 u18 couldn’t handle him today 🙏🏽 on to the next game first 45 mins in tank pic.twitter.com/8nN2vJ6mXT
— JG (@joeoc8710) July 12, 2025
After much speculation, Gabriel has signed youth registration forms with United to remain at the club for a further two years.
United ultimately went into the break leading 4-1 with further goals from Amir Ibragimov, Louie Bradbury, and Jay McEvoy.
Irish youth international McEvoy, who is among this year’s first year scholars, also finished with a sensational dipping shot.
Quality goal from Jay McEvoy in United’s 8-2 win over QPR pic.twitter.com/YYSGsV62h8
— RedYouthUnited (@RedYouthUnited) July 13, 2025
The second half saw the 4-1 score line repeated to end the match with a resounding 8-2 victory to United.
Gabriel wasn’t the only u15 to put his name on the scoresheet. Nkoto brothers Bassirou and Douka both hit the back of the net in the second half, with the former providing two assists to go with his goal.
The talented number 10 Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher finished the scoring on the day with a well taken brace.
With an influx of new players into the age group and a new coach incoming after Adam Lawrence’s departure, there have been a lot of changes in United’s u18s setup but one thing remains constant in the extreme level of talent on display.
Further behind closed door friendlies are expected before the group travel to Croatia at the start of August for the Mladen Ramljak Memorial Tournament.
United XI first half: Byrne-Hughes, Shah, McCormack, Kukonki, O’Brien, McEvoy, Ibragimov, Bailey, Brown, Gabriel, Bradbury
United XI second half: Heath, Hefalu, Mills, Armer, Watson, Carrick, B. Nkoto, Thwaites, Lusale, Ibrovic-Fletcher, D. Nkoto
Featured image Ben Roberts photo via Getty Images
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Colm Murphy
A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.
