'I'm told...' - Insider: 'Special' teenage talent has wowed coaches at Man United
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(Credit: Imago) ‘Special’: Man United sensation JJ Gabriel stuns coaches as first-team prediction made Thu 26 February 2026 16:31, UK Man United teenage sensation JJ Gabriel has been tipped for big things after wowing coaches with his performances after stepping up the age groups.At just 15 years old, the midfielder has already represented the Under-18s side on multiple occasions, and scored two goals in their recent 6-1 win against Derby County.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the “special talent” is already being tipped for big things at Old Trafford.While he remains a distance away from making his first senior bow, coaches have been impressed by his development and ability to step up through the age groups.Man United hope to take their time with his development to ensure things continue to go smoothly, but have high hopes for his future role in the senior side.Credit: ImagoRead more: These are Man United’s five youngest first-team debutants.Gabriel’s name is not a new one to those at Old Trafford, with the teenage sensation having taken part in senior training sessions regularly since he was just 14. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Ruben Amorim was believed to have rated the midfielder highly, and that opinion is shared by the coaching staff at Old Trafford, with the midfielder tipped for big things.“There’s been a lot of buzz about this 15-year-old JJ Gabriel,” Brown told Football Insider.“He’s been playing for the Under-18s, he scored in the FA Youth Cup win against Oxford.“I watched him play against Derby County in the Under-18 league.
He’s a slight lad, but he’s got very, very quick feet and I could quickly see what all the fuss was about.“He scored two from midfield, playing as a number ten but he was up and down the pitch like a central midfield player, it was very impressive.“He controls the ball well, got some nice touches and has a good eye for a pass as well.“I’m told the coaches at Man United have been very impressed by what they’ve seen, they think he is a special talent with potential to get into the first team.“I don’t like the word potential, but that’s what it is at 15. Their focus now is on making sure this special 15-year-old is allowed to become a special 18-year-old.“I can remember a lot of players who have been built up at a young age but by the time they’re ready to step into the senior team that hype isn’t there any more.“So they want to take things slowly and make sure they get his development right, but they’re very impressed by what they’ve seen, so keep an eye out.”Read more: Man United are plotting to sign another teenage sensation.Update on Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Man UnitedOne of the brightest talents to come off the production line at Old Trafford in recent years has been Kobbie Mainoo, despite the fact he fell out of favour under Amorim.Brown warned Football Insider in December that Mainoo would push to leave Man United after the “crazy” way he has been treated by the club of late.However, since Michael Carrick’s arrival as interim manager, the midfielder has played a key role in their success, and is now believed to be happy at Old Trafford.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider on 3 February that Mainoo is edging closer to a new contract at Man United despite having previously snubbed talks.The midfielder is now open to extending his stay beyond his current contract’s 2027 expiry date with new talks set to take place.For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.