JJ Gabriel has impressed with his performances for the U18s this season and has been training with the Manchester United first team.
JJ Gabriel has been training with the United first team over the last few days. (Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel won’t be included in the club’s matchday squad against Brentford, due to Premier League rules. The 15-year-old has been a regular for the U18s this season.
In his 26 appearances for the youth side in all competitions, he has scored 23 times, causing excitement among United fans. However, he missed the latest Premier League Under-18s game due to his involvement in first-team training, with the United youngsters suffering a 2-1 defeat against Sunderland.
United are planning to include the teenager in their pre-season plans over the summer to show him there is a pathway to the first team. But, despite his involvement with the first team this season, he won’t be allowed to feature in a matchday squad in the Premier League.
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Because Gabriel was only 14 when the season started, Premier League rules mean that he is ineligible to play in the competition. He could have, however, been included in the squad for the FA Cup earlier in the campaign.
He will therefore not be included in the squad for the clash against Brentford on Monday night, despite being in and around the first team over the last few days.
Amad posted a video on social media on Sunday, with the youngster apologising after losing a training ground battle against the Ivory Coast international. Gabriel said to the camera: “I’m sorry Amad, for contesting you in a shooting competition. I’ll never contest you again. But if I do, I’ll beat you!”
Gabriel then posted a picture of himself and Amad on his Instagram stories, along with a caption reading: “Next time bro I got you.”
JJ Gabriel won’t play in the Premier League for Manchester United this season, despite impressing in the youth teams. (Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Integrating him into training now is an indication of what is to come in pre-season and in the 2026/27 campaign, should the youngster continue his progress.
Messages from and to Amad suggest that he has already settled into the first team environment.
United U18s are back in action on Wednesday when they host Liverpool in the U18 Premier League (12.30pm kick-off). It’s still to be seen if Gabriel will be included in the squad for the game.
Their remaining matches see them face Newcastle (A), Stoke City (H), before facing Man City in the FA Youth Cup final.
Following the game against Brentford, United are back in action next Sunday when they host Liverpool at Old Trafford (3.30pm kick-off). They then face Sunderland (A), Nottingham Forest (H) and Brighton (A).
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