Chido Obi sent a message to fellow Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel after he scored an outrageous hat-trick against Liverpool’s Under-18s.
Manchester United’s long-standing commitment to promoting youth talent remains intact, with an academy player named in every matchday squad since October 26, 1937.
This year, Under-21 midfielders James Scanlon and Jack Fletcher, along with promising prospects Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato, have all been involved in senior training. Yet the young player generating the most excitement is 15-year-old JJ Gabriel.
Still only a teenager, Gabriel made a stunning introduction to Under-18 football last season, scoring twice off the bench on his debut for Adam Lawrence’s side. Under the guidance of Darren Fletcher this season, he has continued to thrive and is currently the team’s top scorer.
United’s U18s produced another dominant performance this weekend, winning 7-0 against Liverpool, and Gabriel was once again at the heart of the attacking display.
Obi sends message to Gabriel after outrageous hat-trick
Gabriel scored his second hat-trick of the season for United as Fletcher’s side strolled to victory against Liverpool. All three goals showed exactly why the teenager is so highly rated.
Another youngster who knows all about scoring at Under-18s level is Chido Obi, who is the all-time top goalscorer at U18 Premier League level.
Obi, now playing in the Under-21s and pushing for the first-team, responded to Gabriel after he posted images of the victory against Liverpool on Instagram.
The 18-year-old striker replied with three laughing face emojis. Just like fans, Obi can only laugh at the talent Gabriel is showcasing.
Both talents will be hoping to push for action in the first-team at Old Trafford in the coming years, and fans are eager to see them in action.
What Amorim said about Gabriel
Gabriel has trained with the first-team on several occasions this season and Ruben Amorim was even asked about him at a press conference last month.
“Like everyone, I know he is a really talented guy,” the United boss said of Gabriel when asked about the 15-year-old training with the first-team.
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“We try to pick players for training that have talent, not just for me to see for tomorrow but for them to feel what it means to be in the first team, the difficulties playing against our defenders, the difficulty and pace of our training.
“If we can use every training we have to show the kids what they need to do to be here, it is important, not just for JJ but for everyone.”
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