Manchester United academy prodigy JJ Gabriel has been tipped as a ‘future star’ by Marcus Rashford after scoring twice on his Under-18 debut at just 14 years old. The teenager came off the bench in the 63rd minute against Leeds United on Saturday, becoming the youngest player ever to appear for United’s U18 side. He then netted two goals in a 13-1 victory.
Gabriel, primarily a centre-forward but also capable of playing on the left wing or behind the striker, has earned the nickname ‘Kid Messi’ due to his prolific form. After the match, he posted on Instagram: ‘U18 debut at U14. 2 goals on debut.’ The post drew responses from several United academy graduates, including Rashford, who simply commented: ‘Future star.’
Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, is the most successful United academy graduate of the past decade with 138 goals in 426 appearances and five major trophies. He and Gabriel have trained together at Carrington, and Gabriel previously thanked Rashford on social media for taking pens with him.
Other former academy players also praised Gabriel, with Luton Town defender Teden Mengi writing ‘Well done bro, keep pushing’ and United forward Ethan Wheatley, on loan at Walsall, adding ‘Big time.’ Gabriel is still some way from a senior debut, but his rapid rise has generated significant excitement around the club’s next generation.
