JJ Gabriel scored a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United's Under-18s demolished Liverpool 7-0 on Saturday, intensifying speculation about when the 15-year-old wonderkid might make his senior debut.
Gabriel netted twice in the first half before completing his treble in stoppage time, taking his tally to 10 goals this season. The dominant victory moved United's youth team to third in the standings and ended a five-game winless streak.
Manager Ruben Amorim has already given Gabriel a taste of first-team training in recent weeks. Speaking before the Everton clash, he acknowledged the teenager's ability: «Like everyone, I know he is a really talented guy.»
Preparing for Premier League pressure
Amorim explained his philosophy for integrating academy talents into senior training. «We try to pick players for training that have talent, not just for me to see for tomorrow, but for them to feel what it means to be in the first team, the difficulties playing against our defenders, the difficulty and pace of our training,» he said.
The United boss emphasized the importance of proper preparation. «In Premier League games the pressure is harder, so they need to be ready. When you call a kid up to the first team, they need to behave really well,» Amorim added.
The club is implementing additional support systems for young players. «We are putting everything in place - a nutritionist for the academy starts now - in our club,» Amorim revealed. «That is something that should be basic.»
Age records within reach
Gabriel could break significant milestones if given his senior chance. Manchester United's youngest Premier League debutant is Angel Gomes, who appeared at 16 years and 263 days. Shola Shoretire and Chido Obi follow at 17 years and 19 days, and 17 years and 79 days respectively.
The overall Premier League record belongs to Ethan Nwaneri, who debuted for Arsenal at 15 years and 181 days. Max Dowman is the second-youngest at 15 years and 235 days.
United's leadership has worked to secure Gabriel's future at the club. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox held meetings over the summer aimed at retaining the highly-rated talent. His family was also invited to the Old Trafford directors' box for the season opener against Arsenal.
In Saturday's rout, Bendito Mantato opened the scoring after seven minutes before Gabriel's first-half double. Louie Bradbury, Jim Thwaites from the penalty spot, and Samuel Lusale added further goals before Gabriel completed his hat-trick. The teenager celebrated with an Alexander Isak-style gesture after scoring.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
