MANCHESTER UNITED fans have not had much to cheer in recent times.
But the progress of 14-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel may have them dreaming of better days ahead.
The forward has been promoted to the Red Devils’ Under-18s side this season.
And in August he was even told that he will train with Ruben Amorim’s first team this term.
Earlier today, Gabriel was given his first taste of a Manchester derby at Under-18 level.
And he looked as unfazed as ever.
In just the 15th minute, Gabriel collected a lay-off around 30 yards from goal.
The wonderkid then burst into the box, jinking left before sensationally dropping a shoulder to go right.
Gabriel then made no mistake when given half a yard, calmly finishing into the bottom corner.
The only thing he botched was his knee slide, as he bounced off the dry turf mid-celebration.
Fans were left in awe of Gabriel’s stunning goal.
One wrote on X: “Our future is really in safe hands.”
While a second gushed: “I have seen enough, lets have him on first team bench!”
A third commented: “Remember the name.”
And another added: “This boy is special.”
United doubled their lead on 32 minutes via Jim Thwaites.
But surprisingly things went very wrong in the second half for the young Devils.
Tyrone Samba pulled one back for City, before brother Floyd Samba’s double either side of a Harrison Miles goal made it 4-2.
Goalkeeper Frederick Heath was red carded for United around 10 minutes from time, with 4-2 the final score.
Wayne Rooney’s eldest son Kai, 15, featured in the Under-18’s first two games of the season alongside Gabriel.
But he has since been ruled out by injury.
Gabriel, meanwhile, has played six times in the Under-18 Premier League this season, scoring seven goals and laying on an assist.
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