One of JJ Gabriel’s first coaches has explained what makes the Manchester United prodigy so special

Manchester United sensation JJ Gabriel is a talent “different to anything this country has seen before,” according to one of his early mentors.

The 15-year-old has made waves in United’s under-18 squad for Darren Fletcher since making his debut at just 14 earlier this season. He is the top scorer in the U18 Premier League with 20 goals and has 25 in just 31 games overall this season.

Gabriel’s potential has been known in the game for some time, with Manchester City reportedly attempting to sign him before United convinced him to stay put. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also said to have been monitoring him.

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He has already taken part in first-team training, with Bryan Mbeumo remarking that “the little guy has something special” during an appearance on a podcast last month.

Gabriel grew up in London, playing futsal. One of his first coaches was Alfie Brooks, of Ole Futsal, who first worked with him at age six and continues to mentor him today.

On what makes the young striker such a special talent, Brooks told the Telegraph: “We put together an intense technical programme that allowed him to master the ball from a very young age.

“His technical ability was developed alongside cognitive technical training, which helped him make quicker decisions and produce better outcomes. He’s highly receptive, intelligent and has an amazing personality.

“Alongside his technical quality, there has also been a huge focus on his end product in different situations. That’s why you see him score so many different types of goals.

“He is genuinely two-footed and can go both ways, which makes him extremely unpredictable. There have been comparisons to other players, but JJ is a unique talent and different to anything this country has seen before.”

Even if he was deemed ready for the first team, Gabriel is too young to play in the Premier League this season, as players must be at least 15 by August 31. He didn’t turn 15 until October.

However, he is set to be involved in pre-season games before potentially making his competitive bow next season. Gabriel will get the chance to showcase his talent to a much wider audience on Friday night when United’s U18s face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup.

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