Man Utd’s ‘Kid Messi’ JJ Gabriel Called Into First-Team Training
Manchester United fans haven’t had too many reasons to smile over the past year, but right now there’s a teenager in the academy who is changing that mood entirely. His name is JJ Gabriel, and at just 14 years old, he’s already being talked about as one of the most exciting young players in Europe. Some have even gone so far as to call him “Kid Messi,” and that’s not just empty hype—it’s backed by what he’s been doing on the pitch.
Gabriel, the son of former Irish international Joe O’Cearuill, made history earlier this year when he became the youngest ever player to feature for Manchester United’s Under-18s. Imagine that—he’s barely old enough to be picking his GCSE subjects, yet he’s already lining up alongside players four years older than him. On his debut in April, he didn’t just hold his own; he scored twice in a thumping 13–1 victory over Leeds United’s U18s. That was the moment people really started to sit up and take notice.
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What makes this story even more remarkable is the speed of his rise. Over the summer, Gabriel was handed the No. 95 shirt, which is actually the highest squad number ever issued in Manchester United’s history. That in itself shows the club is keen to mark him out as something different, something special. He’s also signed a major sponsorship deal with Nike, and it’s no surprise that top clubs across Europe have been circling, hoping to lure him away. But United moved quickly—director of football Jason Wilcox and head of negotiations Matt Hargreaves stepped in personally to secure his commitment to Old Trafford.
His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by new manager Ruben Amorim either. The Portuguese coach has already met Gabriel at Carrington, made sure he was invited into the directors’ box for United’s recent match against Arsenal, and has even asked to be kept constantly updated about his progress. For a 14-year-old, that’s extraordinary. Academy players don’t usually get this level of exposure, but Gabriel isn’t being treated like an ordinary academy prospect.
Those who’ve worked with him speak of a competitiveness and technical level that’s beyond his years. Specialist coach Alfie Brooks, who’s trained nearly a thousand academy players, described him as the best he’s ever seen—better, technically, than some Premier League professionals right now. That’s a huge statement, but it reflects the buzz around this youngster.
The one thing that’s holding him back right now is simply his age. Because of his birth date, he isn’t eligible to play in the FA Youth Cup this season. But he will continue playing in the Premier League Under-18 division, and with training opportunities alongside the first team, his development is being carefully managed.
So while Manchester United’s senior side has struggled, there’s a bright spark in JJ Gabriel. He’s only 14, but he’s already breaking records, winning over coaches, and exciting fans. Whether or not he truly becomes the “next Messi” remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear—this is a name United fans will be hearing a lot more of in the years to come.
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