Darren Fletcher Denies Promoting 15-Year-Old Wonderkid to Man Utd First-Team
Darren Fletcher, Manchester United’s interim manager, has expressed his enthusiasm about a promising young player, JJ Gabriel. The 15-year-old attacking midfielder has attracted attention for his skills, having already trained with the first team this season. His performances have caught the eye, even leading to interest from top clubs like Barcelona.
JJ Gabriel’s Impressive Performance
Gabriel has made an impact in the youth ranks, scoring an impressive 11 goals in just 14 matches for the Under-18 team. This includes a standout performance where he netted a hat-trick against Liverpool’s Under-18s. He also played a crucial role in Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup match, where he scored the winner against Peterborough at Old Trafford last month.
Fletcher’s Comments on Gabriel
Despite the buzz around Gabriel, Fletcher denied rumors about his immediate promotion to the senior squad for an upcoming FA Cup match against Brighton. He emphasized the importance of patience in Gabriel’s development, stating, “It’s a little bit early… a lot of people would agree with me.” Fletcher praised Gabriel, saying, “He’s a fantastic talent… a bright future ahead of him.”
Future Prospects
- Name: JJ Gabriel
- Age: 15
- Goals: 11 goals in 14 games
- Key Matches:
- Hat-trick against Liverpool U18s
- FA Youth Cup winner against Peterborough
- Current Team: Manchester United Under-18s
Fletcher highlighted Gabriel’s work ethic and love for the game, saying that he “loves football” and demonstrates an “enthusiasm for the game that’s just amazing.” He added that Gabriel has a supportive family around him, which is vital for any young athlete’s success.
As he continues to develop, Fletcher’s focus remains on cultivating Gabriel’s talent. He reiterated the need for Gabriel to keep improving while enjoying the game. The path to the first team may still be long, but the future looks promising for this young talent at Manchester United.
