Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel is tipped for the stars, and Ruben Amorim has now given him a taste of first-team football.
It would be impossible not to have heard of JJ Gabriel over the past six months, with the 15-year-old superstar in the making establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting talents.
Despite his age, Manchester United coaches think Gabriel has ‘world-class’ potential, as he has already looked too good for the U18 Premier League this season.
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He has been so impressive that Rio Ferdinand has taken notice of Gabriel, suggesting he is right up there with Arsenal’s Max Dowman for being a future star.
Now, the next step has been taken.
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
JJ Gabriel called up into Manchester United first-team training
Earlier this season, Amorim met with Gabriel at Carrington, indicating the excitement that the entire club has over the teenager and how good he is.
Amorim promised Gabriel some exposure to the first team this season, with training call-ups on the cards, given he can’t yet make his Premier League debut.
Now, this intent has been acted upon with Gabriel making his debut in Manchester United’s first-team training session.
The 15-year-old took to Instagram, posting on his story a picture of his feet in boots, captioned, “First team training”, with a tick emoji next to it.
JJ Gabriel Instagram story, credit: @jjnr10
Gabriel training with the first team is likely with the intention of demonstrating to the youngster and his people that he should commit his future to the Red Devils.
Simon Stone of the BBC has added that Gabriel took part in an 11 vs 11 training match with the first team, which is a huge chance and a sign of faith.
JJ Gabriel took part in an 11 v 11 training match today with @ManUtd first-team squad. Has been the plan to bring the 15-year-old into senior sessions as part of his development. His progression has been rapid over the past few months.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) October 23, 2025
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It is also noted that Gabriel’s development has been rapid over the past few months.
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United desperate to keep JJ Gabriel
Having a prospect so talented makes it inevitable that Europe’s elite will come calling, and that is the danger with Gabriel.
Despite Gabriel committing to United in the summer of 2027, he will have another decision to make: whether to sign a scholarship and pre-professional deal at United or move elsewhere.
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When will JJ Gabriel make his Man United debut?
Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been mentioned as interested clubs in Gabriel, but United is fighting hard to keep him, offering everything.
Gabriel has been offered a box in the new Old Trafford as a sweetener to tempt him to stay and convince him of his importance.
Now, Amorim giving the 15-year-old first-team exposure only furthers this narrative, and we wouldn’t be shocked if Gabriel is eyed for FA Cup involvement in January.
