United wonderkid nicknamed the 'kid messi' stars in academy fixture again

JJ GABRIEL IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING YOUNG PROSPECTS IN MAN UTD'S ACADEMY AND HE EXCELLED AGAIN LAST WEEKEND. 12:44, 06 Feb 2025Updated 12:45, 06 Feb 2025 Manchester

United youngster JJ Gabriel, who has the nickname 'Kid Messi', scored and recorded three assists in the Under-16s' stylish 6-2 win against Manchester City last weekend.

Gabriel underwent a small operation on his shoulder in October, which meant he missed some time on the pitch, but he has returned with a bang and starred in the U16s' win over City. The

14-year-old was given the nickname 'Kid Messi' after clips of him training and completing specialist skills went viral when he was younger. There is excitement building about his

potential and it's thought to be only a matter of time before he steps up to play in Under-18s matches. Gabriel recently thanked Marcus Rashford for taking penalties with him at

Carrington before the forward joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season, and he received a 'get well soon video' from Andre Onana when he was recovering from his

shoulder injury. Followers of the academy are hopeful that Gabriel will reach the first-team at Old Trafford, but he is on the radar of top European clubs and made a visit to watch Barcelona

in August. Article continues below Gabriel was pictured with one of his idols, Lamine Yamal, outside the Nou Camp, and he has a European passport, which has caught the attention of big

clubs on the continent. Gabriel's ball control is exceptional and he recently scored a brilliant goal for the U16s against Wolves, taking the ball around the goalkeeper to slot home

into an empty net. The youngster was invited to spend time with United's U18s when they played Manchester City in the Premier League Cup final last season and was involved in the

warm-up at Leigh Sports Village. Article continues below He was just 13 years old when he was given that opportunity and is now becoming increasingly involved with the U18 group in training

so he can be challenged against older players. Gabriel also won the Most Valuable Player award at a U16 tournament in Hong Kong in August, which was presented to him by former United player

Dimitar Berbatov.