United have another remarkable young talent on their hands (Picture: Getty)
Wes Brown believes there is a good chance Manchester United sensation JJ Gabriel is involved in the first-team next season.
Gabriel only turned 15 in October but has made a huge impression at Under-18 level this season and is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world football.
The teenager has scored 18 times in 21 appearances across the Under-18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup this term, frequently training with the first-team with growing expectation he will be ready for what would be a record-breaking debut sooner rather than later.
Max Dowman made his competitive debut for Arsenal aged 15 in August with Gabriel eligible to play in the Premier League from next season.
United have already had to fight tooth and nail to keep the versatile forward in Manchester with Barcelona among the host of clubs across Europe eager to lure him away.
Brown, an academy graduate himself who went onto win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two Champions Leagues with United, is among those who have watched Gabriel’s rise with increasing excitement.
The former defender has no doubts over Gabriel’s talent, suggesting the only dilemma facing United is at what point in the season they choose to bring him in next term.
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Gabriel has made remarkable progress with the Under-18s (Picture: Getty)
Pointing to the impact Lamine Yamal had at Barcelona after making his debut just shy of his 16th birthday, Brown believes it will happen sooner rather than later for Gabriel.
‘The talent is there. Crazy talent,’ Brown told Metro via BetMGM.
‘It is about timing with JJ Gabriel. For United, it is about getting him in in at the right time where he can do well where he will be appreciated.
Just how good is JJ Gabriel?
Gabriel is considered to be the most exceptional young talent to progress through United’s youth ranks in recent years and across the game at youth level, is regarded as the best player in the country born in 2010.
In addition to those Neymar comparisons, his ability to effortlessly take the ball on the turn has seen him likened to Phil Foden, who progressed through the youth academy over the way at Manchester City.
Football is littered with stories of unique talents failing to make the step up to men’s football. Angel Gomes, who currently holds the record of United’s youngest player in history, has carved out a fine career for himself in France having also been recognised at international level, but made just 10 more appearances for United after his debut. United’s next youngest debutant Shola Shoretire is currently playing for Dutch club Zwolle, on loan from Greek outfit PAOK.
The situation with Gabriel feels different though and United’s biggest problem will appear to be keeping holding of him. Barcelona’s interest is well-documented and the teenager holds an Irish passport through his dad, former Republic of Ireland intranational Joe O’Cearuill, meaning any move abroad would be free of any Brexit red tape.
United will be counting the days until he is eligible to sign his first professional contract at 17.
Tony Mogan, live sports editor
‘The best example is with what Barcelona have done with Lamine Yamal. The talent was there, we know that now.
‘If you bring him in too early and it doesn’t work out the door can shut a little bit. Everyone knows how talented you are but the opportunities can become less.
‘What I will say, watching Gabriel is, he is fearless, he is always trying to make something happen. The way he glides past players is unbelievable.
‘Next season he will definitely be in the conversation but it will be about timing. Not to put him under pressure and telling him “we need you” because you don’t need that at that sort of age.
‘He just needs to enjoy his football and when his opportunities comes, enjoy it. But it will happen for him.’
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