Ruben Amorim recently met with JJ Gabriel, who is already one of Manchester United’s most exciting academy starlets despite still being 14 years of age.
Manchester United have long been renowned for producing academy talent, with at least one graduate named in every matchday squad since October 26, 1937.
This season, Under-21s midfielders James Scanlon and Jack Fletcher, along with prospects such as Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato, have already trained with the senior team. But the most eye-catching youngster is 14-year-old JJ Gabriel.
Despite his age, Gabriel quickly made his mark with the U18s, scoring twice off the bench on his debut for Adam Lawrence’s side last season. Now under the guidance of Darren Fletcher, he has retained that faith and currently sits as the team’s top scorer.
United were close to losing Gabriel in the summer, with clubs across Europe hoping for his signiture, but the youth talent decided to stay after meetings with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada involved, showcasing the kind of talent United know they have in their hands.
Amorim makes Ronaldo point to United starlet Gabriel
Some reports have suggested that Gabriel could start training with the first-team squad this season and he has already spoken to Ruben Amorim.
Gabriel’s father uploaded a picture of his son with Amorim onto his social media platforms in August after they spoke at Carrington.
Now, reports from the Manchester Evening News have detailed those conversations, with Amorim making a point about United legend and his former Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The outlet claimed that Amorim spent time discussing his philosophy with Gabriel and stressed the importance of working hard.
He also recounted stories about Ronaldo’s work ethic, explaining how he was the first to report for training and the last to leave.
It is also reported that Gabriel is already living like a dedicated professional athlete with diet and recovery sessions, and he wakes up at 6am most days to make his dream a reality.
Gabriel is the exception to the rule
Major outlets like the Manchester Evening News are usually careful in their coverage of academy players, especially ones as young as Gabriel.
United know the media attention – and scrutiny – their players receive and want to shelter the youth from it as long as possible. In 2022 ahead of the FA Youth Cup final, this writer received compliments from club staff after publishing an article which reiterated the need to ease expectations on young stars.
But there are always exceptions to the rule and Gabriel is certainly that. He already has over 200,000 followers on Instagram and was been labelled as ‘Kid Messi’ on YouTube when he was eight years old.
United are clearly doing everything they can to keep Gabriel at the club in the long-term, with the aforementioned report also claiming that he has been told he could be the ‘face’ of United in the future.
That will hopefully be in a very successful side, although like Gabriel has already been told, he must match his ability with hard work and dedication.
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