JJ Gabriel (foto: Instagram)
Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel responded to his first-team selection by scoring and providing an assist for Manchester United's Under-21 side later the same day.
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JJ Gabriel continues to show why he is regarded as one of Manchester United's brightest academy prospects. Just hours after being included in the first-team squad against Rosenborg, the 15-year-old made an immediate impact for the club's Under-21s.
Gabriel was an unused substitute during United's convincing 5-0 pre-season victory in Norway, where he wore the senior squad's No. 77 shirt but did not get the chance to make his debut.
Instead of ending his day there, the teenage forward joined the Under-21 squad for a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley, taking on opponents who were up to five years older than him.
He needed only 45 minutes to make his mark, scoring one goal and providing an assist in another impressive display.
Gabriel later shared highlights of his performance on his Instagram story, giving supporters another glimpse of why he is considered one of the club's biggest talents.
The England youth international is still waiting for his official senior debut. He also remained on the bench during Manchester United's earlier pre-season fixture against Wrexham, but every performance suggests that milestone is drawing closer.
Last season, Gabriel starred for the Under-18s, scoring 26 goals across the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League, establishing himself as one of the standout young forwards in English football.
Manchester United were unable to use him in senior competitions last season because of Premier League eligibility rules. A player must be at least 15 years old by September of the relevant season to be eligible for first-team league football.
Born in London, Gabriel celebrated his 15th birthday last October and now appears closer than ever to making his first competitive appearance for Manchester United.