Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has been named the Under-18 Premier League Player of the Season, beating Manchester City's Teddie Lamb to the prize. The 15-year-old forward scored 23 goals in 23 league appearances for United's U18s this term and has impressed in first-team training sessions.
Gabriel received the award at a ceremony in London on Tuesday, ahead of seven other nominees including United teammate Albert Mills and City's Lamb, who scored 25 goals this season. Gabriel's performances have been pivotal as United's U18s pushed City for the Premier League North title, though City eventually won the league with 60 points.
United are planning to include Gabriel in their pre-season plans this summer to demonstrate a clear pathway to the first team. He has not played for the U21s this season due to being 14 at the start of the campaign, as United could have faced fines for fielding him at that level.
Gabriel could still end the season with silverware, as United's U18s face City in the FA Youth Cup final on Thursday at the Joie Stadium. The two young forwards, Gabriel and Lamb, are the standout talents in their respective academies and will be key in the derby clash.
