Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel, 14, makes history as Under-18s thump rivals Leeds 13-1
MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid JJ Gabriel made history as the Under-18s thrashed rivals Leeds.
During the clash in the English Under-18 Premier League, the young Red Devils produced a superb display.
https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1908481889570021593Adam Lawrence’s team roared into a 9-0 lead before half-time led by a sensational double hat-trick from 18-year-old Victor Musa.
Musa, who was wearing the captain’s armband for the clash, led by example as he scored Man Utd’s first five goals, including his first hat-trick being completed in 14 minutes.
There was also a hat-trick for 17-year-old midfielder Jim Thwaites in the first half before Musa notched his sixth goal in injury time.
After the break, a goal from James Bailey put them 10-0 up before Kenneth Mensah managed a consolation reply from the visitors.
But there was still more to come from Lawrence’s team, with defender Dan Armer grabbing a goal of his own before U14 star Gabriel was brought on to make his debut.
Gabriel has been touted as one of the most talented stars in the Red Devils academy and made history today by becoming the youngest-ever star to play for the club’s Under-18s.
After coming in the 65th minute he did not look out of place before cooly slotting a shot past the goalkeeper in the 89th minute.
He then added a second on his left foot two minutes later after taking the ball down on his right outside the box, dribbling past two Leeds defenders and rolling the ball into the bottom corner.
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It was an emphatic response from the Carrington squad after a disappointing penalty shootout exit in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals against Aston Villa.
The win also kept their title hopes alive, closing the gap to Manchester City Under-18s to five points with a game in hand.
Gabriel celebrated his 14th birthday in October.
While playing with the Under-16s last summer, he won the Most Valuable Player award at a pre-season tournament in Hong Kong after scoring two and assisting another two goals.
He has already been snapped up by Nike, signing a deal with the sportswear giant.
And on Instagram he shares pictures with the likes of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s eldest son Cristiano Jr, 14.
Gabriel has been on the books at Old Trafford since 2021.