JJ Gabriel's year in review from first team plan to strong Rashford comments

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Stars of the future will take to the pitch at the Joie Stadium on Thursday as Manchester United and Manchester City go head-to-head. The top two sides in the Under-18 Premier League square off in the FA Youth Cup final, with JJ Gabriel expected to play a pivotal role for United.

The 15-year-old has dazzled in their youth teams this season, managing an impressive 26 goals in 28 appearances across the U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup. That includes scoring United's opener in their 2-1 extra-time victory over Crystal Palace in the semi-finals.

The sky is the limit for the most exciting talent currently within United's ranks. And all signs suggest one of the most in-demand youngsters in England is thriving as he edges closer to a potential first-team debut for United next season.

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Born in Enfield, Gabriel appeared far more likely to end up representing the likes of Arsenal or Tottenham than United. However, the club's scouting network deserves considerable credit for successfully luring him away from London.

And Gabriel's father, former Republic of Ireland international Joe O'Cearuill, has more reason than most to feel immense pride. He makes no attempt to hide it, either, having taken to social media previously to share his joy at the decision to relocate to the north in 2022.

"I remember in London when JJ was eight years old," he wrote in a since deleted post on X. "They used to say he [was] just a YouTuber and will never make it, just a showboat, he will be done at 11 years old. So glad we moved to Manchester. The club showed him love and let him grow into himself, not a robot."

It's bearing fruit so far, with Gabriel looking to further cement his rise by lifting the FA Youth Cup. He's already caught the eye of certain first-team figures at Old Trafford, too.

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Though he may no longer be at the club, Marcus Rashford has already tipped his hat to Gabriel this season. Even from Barcelona , the former Old Trafford favourite has been keeping a close eye on a youngster carving out a path remarkably similar to his own.

Rashford, 28, celebrated winning La Liga with Barca on Sunday following a 2-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico. The England international played a pivotal role too, scoring a stunning free-kick at the Camp Nou.

A sea of stars from Rashford's past and present flooded Instagram to congratulate him on his triumph. Gabriel was among them, simply commenting "Top" on a celebratory post.

Rashford appeared to acknowledge his successor in the comments section, replying: "Next up." That tribute clearly being a nod to the fact Gabriel is next in line to follow his same path from Carrington's academy and into the first team.

It's not the first time Rashford has placed the youngster on a pedestal, either, having previously championed United's next big thing. The senior star commented on one of Gabriel's Instagram posts in March and made his feelings about the forward clear, writing: "Lil bro is a star."

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There is plenty of evidence to suggest United will welcome Gabriel into their first-team ranks next season. The club might have done so already were it not for Premier League regulations preventing him from featuring this campaign on account of his age.

The MEN reported in December how United were doing everything in their power to provide Gabriel with a clear route into the first team.This includes training sessions with the senior squad, and he has already been lined up to feature in this summer's pre-season tour of Europe.

Barcelona have registered an interest in the teenager and have already shown Gabriel around their facilities in an attempt to lure him away. However, those efforts have so far come to nothing.

"Like everyone, I know he is a really talented guy and everyone paid attention on social media," said Ruben Amorim of the youngster when he was still at the helm in late 2025. "You could see the U21s had a game and we had less players and tried 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 of our training, the pace. If we can use every training we have to show the kids what they need to do to be here, it is important, not just for JJ but for everyone."

Current interim manager Michael Carrick has equally taken note of the youngster's potential and said in March: "He's doing really well, JJ. We're always trying to give that exposure to players, for them to come and train and feel it.

"JJ is a big talent. It's pretty obvious to know that and he's had a really good season for the Under-18s. We obviously think an awful lot of him. But patience is important in managing everything that comes with that.

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