Man Utd promote wonderkid JJ Gabriel, 14, dubbed ‘Kid Messi’ to U18s squad with coaches ‘blown away’ by his talent
A MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid dubbed “Kid Messi” is training with players four years older than him.
Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, who goes by the name JJ Gabriel, is one of the most highly-rated youngsters at the club.
The teen sensation celebrated his 14th birthday at the weekend – but has already outgrown his new age group.
Gabriel has been promoted to train with Man Utd‘s Under-18s such is his talent.
At the age of 13, he was a regular for the Red Devils’ Under-16s last season.
And in the summer, he won the Most Valuable Player award at a pre-season tournament in Hong Kong after scoring two and assisting another two goals.
He was presented with his accolade by United hero Dimitar Berbatov.
The Mail report that “Kid Messi” has left “coaches blown away” by his skill.
He will not get minutes for the Under-18s but training with older players should “help his development and give him a new challenge”.
Gabriel has already been snapped up by Nike, signing a deal with the sportswear giant.
And on Instagram he shares pictures with the likes of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s eldest son Cristiano Jr, 14.
Gabriel has been on the books at Old Trafford since 2021.