JJ Gabriel, the 14-year-old Manchester United prodigy, has caused a stir after scoring a hat-trick in 22 minutes for the club's under-18s side. The teenager netted in the fifth, 14th and 27th minutes as United beat Derby County 4-0 in the Premier League under-18s match on Saturday.
Supporters took to social media to hail the young forward, with one fan urging the club to 'protect him at all costs'. Another predicted he would become United's new 'star boy' following Alejandro Garnacho's move to Chelsea. Gabriel, nicknamed 'Kid Messi', has already committed his future to United until he turns 16, when he can sign a professional contract.
The youngster has been invited to first-team training this season and was recently introduced to manager Ruben Amorim. Technical director Jason Wilcox is believed to have played a key role in persuading Gabriel to stay, amid interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Gabriel, who holds an Irish passport, could move to a European club at 16.
Gabriel has scored five goals in three under-18s appearances this season, including the hat-trick against Derby and goals against Middlesbrough and Everton. He will not feature in United's FA Youth Cup campaign this season due to age eligibility rules.
