Who is JJ Gabriel? Manchester United wonderkid linked with every big club in Europe

The teenager has already gained praise from many United Academy managers.

One of Manchester United’s best young players is Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, also known as JJ Gabriel. Because of his talent, in October, Gabriel was promoted to train with Manchester United’s Under-18 team.

He played regularly for the Red Devils’ Under-16 team last season at the age of 13. Additionally, he scored two goals and assisted another two during a preseason competition in Hong Kong in the summer, earning him the title of Most Valuable Player.

When Gabriel was younger, YouTube videos of him practicing and doing specialized skills went viral, earning him the moniker “Kid Messi.” There is growing enthusiasm for his potential, and he is already being courted by elite European teams who are interested in pulling him away from Manchester.

How has JJ Gabriel reached new heights at United?

JJ Gabriel was born and raised in London and played for Chelsea, Arsenal, and West Ham academies. He practiced futsal just as much as football.

He focused on his keepy-ups for a week when he was six years old. By the end of that week, he was able to perform 1,000 consecutively. He was quickly rising to the top of the game when playing against opponents who were years older than him.

At the age of 14, he is being called up to the Under-18 team as United accelerate his growth.

🔴 When a talent such as JJ comes around, it’s not at 17 or 18 the world finds out it’s NOW! #MUFC In my 20 years in football from grassroots to international level. I’ve seen a variety of players. Players who were very average at 14-16 but then go on to have a top career and… pic.twitter.com/agvCxEGAkq

— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) March 4, 2025

Gabriel was admired by Dan Ashworth, former sporting director, who was fired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe earlier this season. One Under-18 teammate described being “blown away” when they saw the 14-year-old during their practice sessions.

Coaches have flooded Academy boss Nick Cox with reports about Gabriel’s quick advancement through the age groups, and United’s leadership is carefully planning strategies to convince him that Old Trafford is the right place for him.

In addition to offering him chances to watch first-team games, United allowed him to warm up with the Under 18s last season when he was 13 years old, before they defeated Manchester City in the Premier League Cup final. He flew and warmed up with Adam Lawrence’s Man Utd’s U-18 team once more during last week’s FA Youth Cup quarterfinal victory at Arsenal.

In addition, the club tested him in front of 6,000 spectators when they toured Hong Kong with their under-16 team. He went on to win player of the tournament.

When it comes to Gabriel, lines are nearly always long. Clubs in line to sign him from Manchester United. As his Instagram following grows rapidly, a line of brands are keen to collaborate with him. There’s also a line of massive sportswear companies hoping to sign a contract with him.

United hoping for JJ Gabriel to stay at the club past this year amid interest from the Premier League and across Europe.An under-18 debut is believed to be in order before the season’s end. https://t.co/D9JPC0PebC

— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) March 4, 2025

Gabriel’s playing style

Gabriel’s playing style has been compared a lot to Lionel Messi, and he has been called the club’s next future star. If he remains consistent with his performance, he might earn a spot in the senior team way sooner. JJ Gabriel has outstanding ball skills and is a talented dribbler. Additionally, the teenager is comfortable playing with both his feet.

His ability to beat defenders with confidence makes him the most underrated player in the academy. His quick progress has been witnessed by the club as they are keeping all sorts of tabs on him to provide him with the best development.

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