Manchester United is known for bringing young stars through their famous academy, but this week the talk around Old Trafford has been louder than usual.
The focus is not only on Kobbie Mainoo anymore. A new name has taken over conversations, JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old attacker who some people now say might be an even bigger talent than Mainoo himself.
In a time when the first team is struggling and results are going the wrong way, the United academy is once again giving fans something to smile about.
And this young lad, JJ Gabriel, is making everyone sit up and pay attention.
Mainoo’s Tough Time, but His Talent Still Shines
The last few days at Old Trafford have not been peaceful. United dropped more points after a frustrating 1-1 draw with West Ham.
The fans were unhappy, the players looked tired, and once again there were big questions about the team’s direction.
One of the most worrying things for supporters has been the lack of minutes for Kobbie Mainoo.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who many fans see as the next big Carrington superstar, has barely played this season.
He only has 171 Premier League minutes so far, and that has caused concern everywhere.
Some fans even called the situation “ruining him,” including club legend Paul Scholes, who wrote a strong comment online before quickly removing it.
But even if Mainoo is not playing right now, nobody can deny his talent.
This is the same young man who went from academy star to starting for England in the Euro 2024 final in less than one year. That rise alone shows how special he is.
Mainoo has already given United fans some unforgettable moments. His FA Cup final winner in 2024 is still fresh in the memory of supporters.
It was a goal that showed confidence, control, and maturity far above his age. He is still seen as the future of the club and one of the best players to come out of United’s academy for many years.
But surprisingly, a new academy name has now jumped into the spotlight.
Meet JJ Gabriel, The 15-Year-Old Turning Heads at Carrington
While Mainoo’s minutes are limited, another young star is exploding with momentum.
His name is JJ Gabriel, and even though he is only 15, people inside the club believe he could be something extremely special.
This season, Gabriel has been playing for the under-18s, even though he is three years younger than most of the squad.
LUTYHD/Youtube
Despite that age difference, he has been one of the best players in the team. The young forward has already scored 10 goals in 11 matches, plus an assist, an unbelievable record for someone so young.
To make it even more impressive, he is not just scoring simple goals. He has hit hat-tricks twice this season, including one against Liverpool’s under-18 side.
That alone made United fans buzz on social media. Every time he steps on the pitch, he seems to create something exciting.
Coaches have also given him huge praise. His personal trainer said Gabriel is “technically better than Premier League players” and that he could walk into a senior dressing room and still be one of the most skilled.
That is a massive statement, and you don’t hear that often about a 15-year-old.
What Makes Gabriel So Special?
People who work with Gabriel say he is more than just a goal scorer.
They describe him as a smart, quick-thinking attacker with great control, strong movement, and a natural feel for the game.
He plays across the front line, as a winger, as a forward, or even deeper when needed.
He uses his low centre of gravity to keep the ball close, dribbling past defenders with ease.
His decision-making is also impressive, especially for someone his age.
Many inside Carrington believe he reads the game better than players much older.
And the best part? He performs every single week, not just in one or two games. His consistency is rare for a player of his age group.
United fans love a young star who rises through the academy, and Gabriel seems like the next one in line.
Could JJ Gabriel Be Even Bigger Than Mainoo?
This is the question fans are now asking: Is Gabriel the biggest talent United have produced since the Class of ’92?
Mainoo is already a senior player, already shining on the international stage, and already loved by the fans. But Gabriel is being talked about with even bigger words.
When coaches start saying a 15-year-old is better than Premier League players technically, that tells you how high his potential might be.
Nobody is saying Mainoo is no longer a star. In fact, fans still think he will be one of United’s most important players in the future.
But what they are saying is simple: Gabriel might just be the next huge talent to come out of Carrington.
For United supporters, it is an exciting thought, Mainoo and Gabriel playing together in the first team one day, two academy stars carrying the future of the club.
For more Manchester United News, follow us on Facebook for instant updates directly to your phone.
Discover more from MUFCNews
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
