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JJ Gabriel Nets U18 Hat-Trick as Man United Step Up 15-Year-Old’s First-Team Integration

Premier League age restrictions rule him out of league matches this season, leaving the FA Cup in January as a possible route to a senior debut.

Overview

  • Gabriel, 15, scored three times in Manchester United Under-18s’ 7-0 win at Liverpool, punctuating the display by copying Alexander Isak’s celebration.
  • He has recently trained with Ruben Amorim’s senior squad alongside academy peers Shea Lacey, Noah Ajayi, Jim Thwaites and Godwill Kukonki.
  • Premier League rules require players to have turned 15 by August 31 to play this season, making Gabriel ineligible for league fixtures after turning 15 in October.
  • Different FA Cup eligibility means the third round in January is being reported as a potential opening for his first senior appearance.
  • Amorim has praised the club’s youngsters and cited structured support — including an academy nutritionist and exposure to first-team training — as injuries, AFCON absences and a light midweek schedule create opportunities.