JJ Gabriel could be set for his Manchester United debut against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup this weekend.
Despite being hailed as one of the best talents Carrington has ever seen, JJ Gabriel cannot play for Manchester United in the Premier League due to age restrictions.
However, in the FA Cup, Gabriel is eligible to feature and now has a greater chance than ever due to Darren Fletcher’s appointment as interim manager, following Rúben Amorim’s dismissal.
Fletcher’s full-time role at Old Trafford is as U18S boss – the age group for which Gabriel is currently a starter. The Scotsman also oversees Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick, the son of Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, respectively.
Perhaps Gabriel has the best chance of making his full debut if Fletcher is still head coach when United face Brighton in the FA Cup this weekend.
It has now been revealed what exactly United think of their young talent, as his debut possibility looms.
Gabriel causes “serious discussions”
Gabriel is known to have already taken part in first-team training, with new reports suggesting he trained with Fletcher’s squad on Monday, following Amorim’s dismissal.
Now, journalist Alan Nixon – via his Patreon page – has confirmed what exactly United’s higher-ups think of Gabriel, with the Brighton game on the horizon.
JJ Gabriel is being tipped by Manchester United insiders to become their youngest-ever player, Nixon explained.
There are said to be serious discussions within the club about how to handle his career, with genuine anticipation that he will break the club’s record.
David Gaskell currently holds the record at 16 years and 19 days in 1956, while Angel Gomes holds the record in the Premier League era at 16 years and 263 days.
Nixon concluded by claiming that Gabriel is seen as a starter before that age, and it’s just a matter of time until he’s handed his debut.
Gabriel labelled as “stand-out”
While it seems Gabriel won’t play for United’s senior side this season, he has already impressed with his ridiculous talent, and United will be keen to keep him at Old Trafford.
Nixon went on to say: “Gabriel is already a stand-out at under-18 level, where United are trying but failing to keep him under wraps. These games are usually behind closed door,s but all who have seen him are struck by his ridiculous skills.
“JJ has already played for England at under-level and signed a long-term deal with boot manufacturer Nike recently.”
It won’t be long before Gabriel is pushing for minutes in Travis Binnion’s U21s, but may be handed a first-team debut against Brighton on Sunday, should United wish to hand him that shot.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.