JJ Gabriel: Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick watch on as Man United star plays at Old Trafford
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Credit: Imago Thu 19 March 2026 15:35, UK JJ Gabriel started for Manchester United’s Under-18s at Old Trafford on Wednesday night as they beat Sunderland in the quarter-final of the FA Youth Cup.Wayne Rooney and Man United interim manager Michael Carrick were in attendance, with the former’s son, Kai, named on the bench.Noah Ajayi’s stunning strike opened the scoring in the first half, before Chido Obi and Junior Brown scored to secure the youngsters’ place in the next round. There is plenty of excitement surrounding the 15-year-old Gabriel, who has been in exceptional form this season.
Man United’s form may have allowed for the teenager to make his debut at the end of the season, but rules restrict his involvement until August due to him having been 14 at the beginning of the campaign. ⚽ Man United Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Manchester United fixture. VISIT THE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney watch as JJ Gabriel impresses againFormer Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider last month that Gabriel is impressing coaches in training, and it is not hard to see why.The 15-year-old has scored 18 goals in just 19 games in the U18 Premier League this season, with many of those coming from midfield.JJ GabrielFA Youth Cup 2025-26U18 Premier League 2025-26Appearances419Goals218Assists13Man United had been at risk of losing him last summer, but pushed the boat out in order to convince him that his career lay at Old Trafford.They were successful in that effort, with Gabriel committing his immediate future to the Red Devils.But as long as the England youth international continues to thrive, he will constantly be the subject of offers from elsewhere.Gabriel started Wednesday’s game, claiming an assist when he rolled the ball through for Brown’s brilliant finish in the second half.Metric (U18 PL 25/26)JJ Gabriel (Man Utd)Max Dowman (Arsenal)Age1516Appearances197Goals182Assists134Goal Involvements316Mins per G/A55.1 mins80.3 minsThere is a feeling that this level of football is already beneath him, however.
According to BBC Sport, Rooney, who made his Premier League debut for Everton aged just 16, was watching on in the stands, with an even quicker pathway expected for Gabriel.Max Dowman moment sets standardThe thought of a 15-year-old playing in the Premier League sounds ridiculous, but it was brought to reality when Arsenal’s wonderkid Max Dowman made his debut and won a penalty against Leeds United in August.Only injury has seemingly stopped the midfielder from becoming a regular for the Premier League leaders, with Mikel Arteta turning to him to change the game against Everton last week.MetricJJ Gabriel (Man Utd)Max Dowman (Arsenal)Wayne Rooney (Everton)Current LevelU18 Premier LeaguePremier League (1st Team)Premier League (1st Team)Age15 years old16 years old16 years oldGoals this Season18 (in 19 games)1 (in 3 games)6 (in 33 games)Assists this Season1304Min. per G/A55.1 mins225 mins355 minsCareer StatusIneligible for PL (Rules)Youngest PL Scorer (16y 73d)Youngest PL Scorer (at time)And he did exactly that off the bench, putting in a cross for the first goal before scoring the second himself to become the youngest-ever Premier League goal-scorer at 16 years and 73 days old.What is unbelievable is that Gabriel has almost the entire year to break that record once again.More important than records, however, is protection. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man United Insider Access Get the full story from Old Trafford and Carrington with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Old Trafford.