Manchester United could hand a historic senior debut to 15-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel in this weekend's FA Cup clash with Brighton at Old Trafford.
Caretaker Boss Ready to Trust Youth
Darren Fletcher will once again take charge of the team for the FA Cup third-round tie on Sunday. The former United midfielder, who is the club's caretaker manager following Ruben Amorim's sacking on Monday, has shown a clear willingness to promote young talent. In his first game in charge, Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Burnley, he brought on teenager Shea Lacey, who impressed by hitting the crossbar.
Now, Fletcher's gaze has turned to an even younger prodigy. According to reports, JJ Gabriel will be involved with first-team training this week ahead of the Brighton match, putting him in contention for a place in the matchday squad. Fletcher knows the attacker well from his usual role coaching the club's Under-18s side.
The Record-Breaking Prodigy
Born Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, the forward only turned 15 on October 6 but is already making waves. He has scored an impressive 10 goals in 13 games in the U18 Premier League this season. Last month, he became United's youngest-ever scorer in the FA Youth Cup, netting the winner against Peterborough at Old Trafford.
His dazzling style has drawn comparisons to Brazilian icon Neymar. United's faith in the England under-16 international was demonstrated in June when they handed him a two-year professional contract, with director of football Jason Wilcox involved in the deal. The club are reportedly so keen to keep him happy that they have even offered him his own executive box at their planned new £2 billion stadium.
Eligibility and First-Team Need
While Premier League rules prevent him from playing in the league this season as he was not 15 by the August 31 cutoff, he is fully eligible for the FA Cup. His potential inclusion comes at a time when United are short of attacking options, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Joshua Zirkzee linked with an exit.
Publicly, the club are trying to manage the hype around their latest wonderkid. However, with the FA Cup representing United's last realistic chance of silverware this season, Fletcher may be tempted to unleash a new secret weapon as the Red Devils begin their road to Wembley.
