Manchester United's U21s began their Premier League 2 season with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Ipswich on Monday evening, with 15-year-old JJ Gabriel marking his competitive debut for the age group with two assists and a goal.
Gabriel, who was head and shoulders above his peers at Under-18 level last season, looked a cut above again as he competed against players much his senior despite being dwarfed in height by some of Ipswich's players. Michael Carrick watched from the stands alongside his assistant, Steve Holland, and the pair would have loved what they saw from the youngster.
Two assists and a stunning lob
Gabriel recorded two assists in the first half against Ipswich. While they were nothing to write home about, there was a sense of anticipation from the small pocket of fans each time he picked up the ball. That buzz from the stands is due to the word of Gabriel's talent already spreading far and wide, with fans likely attending the game at Leigh Sports Village just to see a glimpse of him in action.
The Reds were 4-0 up at half-time, with Victor Musa, Jack Fletcher, Jayden Kamason and Dan Armer on the scoresheet. Gabriel came out purring in the second half in search of a goal, and it took him just six minutes to join in with the action, scoring with a perfectly executed lob that dipped under the crossbar.
The teenager hardly even celebrated as his teammates made their way over to celebrate with him. He expects to score brilliant goals, and he will score a bucket of them if he scales the heights he's been tipped to reach.
Senior pathway already mapped out
The fact that Gabriel is playing six years up is a testament to his quality and huge potential. Carrick handed the forward his first-team 'debut' in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid, and he was included in the Republic of Ireland training camp when only a few other academy players made the cut. Gabriel is expected to be given his senior debut this season, and performances like his display against Ipswich will only help to convince Carrick that he is ready to make a cameo from the bench for the first-team.
Gabriel scored a handful of superb goals for the U21s in behind-closed-doors friendlies at Carrington over the summer, but his goal against Ipswich represented his first competitive goal for that age group.
United's efforts to keep the teenager
United are doing all they can to keep Gabriel at the club. There are windows for rivals to poach academy players at 14 and 16, meaning he could move next summer, but United have laid out a clear pathway. This includes inviting him into the directors' box at Old Trafford to watch games with his family, and being introduced to Sir Alex Ferguson. He received a personal introduction to Ruben Amorim last season, and Carrick has given him a pre-season debut and included him in senior training sessions.
The only slight concern with Gabriel playing so above his own age group is the physical aspect. His special ability on the ball should mean he has no problem performing at the U21 level, but it's a more physically demanding age group. United may have to handle Gabriel's workload this season as his body continues to develop.
Adam Lawrence was also complimentary to Gabriel throughout the game. "Well done, JJ," he effused on the hour mark as the youngster won back the ball, demonstrating he's willing to do the ugly side of the game. If you cannot make it to Leigh Sports Village to watch Gabriel in person this season, it may be worth buying an MUTV subscription, as Gabriel is the kind of rare talent that is worth paying to see in the flesh.
