Manchester United are doing everything to keep wonderkid JJ Gabriel, who has been included in the squad for the Dublin training camp this week. The 15-year-old is the youngest of six academy players selected by Michael Carrick.
Gabriel's rise and United's efforts
Gabriel is one of six academy players to have made the cut, and he is the youngest by three years. Carrick has picked the young players deemed most ready to contribute to the first-team, so it's a big compliment to Gabriel that he has made the Dublin squad.
There is also an element of United doing everything they can to convince Gabriel that his long-term future is at Old Trafford, with every top European club circling ahead of next summer's transfer window. There are windows for rivals to poach academy players at 14 and 16. Last year, Gabriel committed his future for another two years at least, but interest from Europe's biggest sides will only intensify ahead of his next birthday, especially as he holds a European passport through his parents.
Pathway to the first team
United have done, and are doing, everything within their power to keep the youngster at the club because they recognise the talent they have on their hands. It's not often a young player with such ability comes around. When Gabriel was close to leaving last summer, United reiterated that he could become the face of the club. He was 14 at the time, but there is an internal belief that he could be the next homegrown star in a red shirt.
Gabriel has been invited into the directors' box at Old Trafford to watch games with his family, and has been introduced to Sir Alex Ferguson. He also received a personal introduction to Ruben Amorim last season. The Manchester Evening News reported last year that, during their exchange, Amorim discussed his philosophy and stressed the importance of hard work, recalling an anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo as an example.
Impressing players and staff
Gabriel has taken part in more first-team training sessions under Carrick, who handed him his pre-season first-team debut against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, an important step to show the youngster that there is a pathway. And 'pathway' is the key word. United know they must demonstrate there is a pathway to the first-team with actions, and they have done so, giving the club the best possible chance of tying Gabriel down at Old Trafford.
Gabriel has been a hit with players and staff alike. It's understood that employees have been struck by his politeness, and the players have marvelled at his ability during training sessions at Carrington. Bryan Mbeumo said "you can feel that the little guy has something special", and Leny Yoro described him as a "really good player." Ayden Heaven said of Gabriel: "He's really good, obviously. For his age, he's unbelievable, and he's ready when he gets his chance. We expect a lot from him from what we see."
It's no wonder that United are doing everything they can in an attempt to safeguard Gabriel's future.
