Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel continues to impress, and a record-breaking debut is possible.
JJ Gabriel, a unique talent at Manchester United’s academy, is becoming increasingly obvious.
After making his debut for the under-18 team the previous season, Gabriel has been regularly promoted to the squad for 2025–2026. All at the tender age of 14.
Gabriel scored twice to help Manchester United’s under-18 team defeat Middlesbrough 5-0 on August 23.
How JJ Gabriel could play for Manchester United
Until the 2026–2027 season, JJ Gabriel will not be able to play for Manchester United’s first team in the Premier League.
This is due to regulations that stipulate that in order to be eligible to make their Premier League debut in the 2025–2026 season, a player must have turned 15 by August 2025. Gabriel won’t make the cut this season because he turns 15 in October 2025.
In theory, though, Gabriel could play for Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
Gabriel might theoretically go with the team and start on the bench when Manchester United plays League Two team Grimsby Town in the cup this coming week.
Gabriel would beat the record set by 16-year-old David Gaskell in 1955 and become Manchester United’s youngest player ever if he were to make his debut.
Earlier this year, the teenage player signed a pre-scholarship deal with United, committing his future to the team.
In the past, United supporters may remember Luke Matheson of Rochdale playing at Old Trafford in 2020 at the age of 16, while Harvey Elliott made his Fulham debut at the age of 15 in the Carabao Cup. If chosen, Gabriel would break the previous record.
Ruben Amorim has decisions to make vs Grimsby
Just last week, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim was seen with JJ Gabriel, demonstrating his interest in the wonderkid’s development.
It remains to be seen if he decides to include him in the team for a high-profile Carabao Cup match.
After the first two Premier League games of the season, Amorim will have the opportunity to rotate, and there are players that require playing time.
And even if Gabriel is a brilliant young player in the academy, does United believe he can handle men’s football, even for a little cameo?
Although unlikely, it is feasible. We won’t be shocked if we learn in the middle of the week that Gabriel has accompanied the team on their trip.
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