Rio Ferdinand has explained he feels one Manchester United Academy star has a massive chance of breaking through to Rúben Amorim’s first team.
Manchester United’s first team have not produced much joy for fans so far this season, losing two and drawing the other of their opening three games this season.
Rúben Amorim’s Reds have scored just three goals, one of which was an own-goal against Fulham and the others to come back from a 2-0 deficit against League Two side Grimsby Town.
However, within the club’s Academy, the mood has been much more fun. After Travis Binnon vacated the U18s managerial spot, it was handed to former Red Darren Fletcher, and his side have since had a storming start to the season.
Across three fixtures against Everton, Middlesbrough, and Brighton’s U18S, they’ve scored ten goals and are yet to concede, showcasing the continuing conveyor belt of talent at Carrington.
Ferdinand full of hope for 14-year-old Gabriel
While there have been many standout stars for United across the last few days, the headline news has been the continual emergence of 14-year-old JJ Gabriel, who has been nothing short of stunning while playing with players four years his senior.
Former United defender and club legend Rio Ferdinand has been speaking about the young Englishman’s talent, explaining that he sees Gabriel as a player with Wayne Rooney-like confidence.
“I’ve been watching my old mate, Darren Fletcher is now the manager of the under-18s, doing a fabulous job there,” the United legend said on his YouTube channel.
“Keep hearing him talk about Man United, DNA, and making players run, be aggressive, and having to be relentless. I watched him the other day smash up a few teams’ last three or four games, banged in goals galore. But could have scored more, dominating teams.
“They’ve got a kid called JJ Gabriel. I know you’ve heard of him. Wow. He’s got a massive chance. Massive.
“He’s the one who could be mentioned alongside Rio [Ngumoha] and Max Dowman. He’s the next one, I’m telling you.
“Love to see it. And these kids have got confidence, I don’t think that lads in our generation [had], only the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Joe Cole, I’ve seen confidence like that.”
Amorim must become more open to Academy talent
When Amorim first joined United, his record of developing and playing young prospects was impressive, so it naturally excited the club’s fans amid the abundance of talent at Carrington.
However, the head coach’s treatment of Academy players and graduates has since come into question. While there have been several debuts, almost all regular squad players at United are not from the Academy, whereas the likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have been sold or loaned out.
At the same time, United’s most promising young player, Kobbie Mainoo, now wants to leave on loan as he feels as if he does not get enough minutes to enhance his development.
With United looking to integrate young stars such as JJ Gabriel and Kai Rooney into their first-team squad in the next few years, Amorim must become more willing to risk playing Academy players.
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