Bryan Mbeumo was impressed watching the Manchester United gem train with the first team; he mentions the exceptional skill he has when facing the goalkeeper one-on-one.
Manchester United's academy continues to produce promising talents, but few generate as much buzz as JJ Gabriel, 15. Integrated into first-team training under Michael Carrick's direction, the teenager's meteoric rise has earned him praise from Bryan Mbeumo. His teammates already see him as a future superstar following his standout performances at the under-18 level.
In his first full season, Gabriel has scored 20 goals in 22 games with the under-18 team. After making history as the youngest player to debut for that team at just 14, he now rubs shoulders with the senior squad at Carrington, showing he can handle the step up in quality with remarkable ease.
Mbeumo is the latest regular first-team player to weigh in on Gabriel's development. In an interview with Zack En Roue Libre, via Metro Sport, Mbeumo said: "He's strong, the little one is strong. Yes, he's strong, he's really special, frankly... I think he's 15. It feels like he's a little kid, but he trains quite a bit with us, and actually, you can tell the little one has something special."
He added that what Gabriel does seems "easy" despite not playing with his own generation: "He's actually kind of a winger; he's a dribbler and even in front of goal, I still think he's good, honestly."
Mbeumo also praised Gabriel's composure in front of goal. "Even in one-on-one situations, often, when you're young... You hesitate, but I think he already has good instincts. We've seen him score some nice goals; he has a good shot. Technically, he's strong," he observed.
Although fans are eager to see him in action, age restrictions prevent Gabriel from making his official first-team debut until at least the 2026-27 season. Thursday, he again participated in first-team training, as the club prepares for the Premier League match against Aston Villa in its attempt to finish in the top four of the standings.
The coaching staff remains focused on the teenager’s long-term development, carefully managing his integration into the high-intensity environment of Carrington. While supporters must wait to see his flair at Old Trafford, Gabriel’s consistent presence alongside established stars suggests he is firmly in the club's plans.
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