Footage of 14-year-old Man Utd wonderkid who will train with first-team has got fans talking

Manchester United’s academy continues to produce gems, but the emergence of 14-year-old JJ Gabriel has stunned even the most seasoned observers of youth football. The teenager has not only broken records but has now been invited to train with the Red Devils’ first team, a rare opportunity that highlights the club’s immense belief in his potential.

Gabriel first came to wider attention earlier this year when he became the youngest player ever to feature for United’s under-18s. In that match against Leeds, he came off the bench and scored twice in the space of two minutes during a remarkable 13-1 win. Since then, his performances have continued to turn heads, and Saturday’s display against Middlesbrough only reinforced the hype surrounding him.

The young striker scored a brace in United’s emphatic 5-0 win over Boro’s U18s, showcasing once again his clinical finishing and natural instincts in front of goal. Videos of his performance quickly spread across social media, where fans could not hide their excitement about the teenager’s immense promise.

One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “He’s genuinely a joke. Incredible.” Another commented on Gabriel’s two-footed ability, saying, “His ball striking is so wicked. Even his weaker left foot has a cannon.” Some supporters even compared him to Neymar, citing his flair, confidence, and effortless technical ability despite his age.

The buzz around Gabriel reached another level when he met United’s new first-team coach, Ruben Amorim, at Carrington earlier this month. Amorim reportedly told the youngster that he will be given the chance to train with the senior squad at times during the season, a remarkable step for a player who only turned 14 this year.

Interest in Gabriel is not limited to Manchester United. European giants Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid have all kept close tabs on his progress, aware that he could become one of the most sought-after teenagers in football. For United, ensuring his development at Old Trafford has become a top priority.

Off the pitch, Gabriel has also attracted commercial attention. Earlier this summer, he signed a landmark deal with Nike, which has been described as one of the most lucrative contracts ever handed to a player of his age. The sportswear giant reportedly pitched him as “next in line” to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne and even hinted at making him the future face of their iconic Mercurial brand.

Alfie Brooks, Gabriel’s one-to-one specialist coach, has been glowing in his assessment of the youngster. “He was very raw but very competitive,” Brooks recalled. “I’ve coached nearly 1,000 academy players over my time, and JJ is the best I’ve ever seen. He could go into a Premier League changing room right now and technically he would be better than all of them. It wouldn’t even be close.”

These are extraordinary words, but they align with the evidence seen on the pitch. Gabriel’s natural instincts in front of goal, his confidence when receiving the ball, and his willingness to take risks are traits rarely found in players so young. Fans watching his recent performances believe it is only a matter of time before he smashes even more academy records.

The question now is how United manage his development. While the hype is immense, Amorim and his staff will need to balance the temptation of fast-tracking him with the importance of gradual growth. Giving him occasional first-team training exposure is seen as the perfect middle ground — allowing him to learn from senior stars while continuing to dominate youth football.

For Manchester United supporters, the rise of JJ Gabriel is a story of excitement, pride, and expectation. At just 14 years old, he is already being talked about as a potential superstar. If his progress continues at this pace, Old Trafford might soon witness the debut of the youngest first-team player in the club’s storied history.