- Wonderkid JJ Gabriel wins U18 award
- 16-year-old reacts to accolade
- Enjoyed excellent season under Darren Fletcher this season
On Tuesday night (12 May), Manchester United academy star picked up the U18 Premier League Player of the Season award.
The youngster was crowned the winner at the Premier League Youth Development Conference, where the accolade capped off a wonderful season for the 15-year-old. In his latest outing against Stoke City, JJ scored his 21st league goal of the season.
There is still one more momentous occasion to go, as United play Manchester City in the Youth Cup final on Thursday (14 May).
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JJ Gabriel Wins PL Award
Speaking to MUTV in his first interview, Gabriel said: “I’m delighted to win this award. I thank my coaches and teammates for helping me win this amazing award.”
“Since we came together as the Under-18s, we’ve become a very good team. Everyone looks out for each other and we all work hard for each other. I think we’ve had a very good season.”
The teenager has worked with U18’s boss Darren Fletcher this season, who has helped him excel at the youth level. Speaking on his manager, Gabriel said:
“I’m delighted to be working with him [Fletcher], he’s an amazing coach and has helped me so much this season to become a better player and the best version of myself. I’ve got to say you’ve got to maintain working out on the training pitch every single day, giving it my all and working hard in the gym to stay fit and not get injured.”
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Wonderkid Primed for Greatness
As Gabriel wins his first major individual Premier League honour, there is a collective sense around Carrington that this is the start of something special for the young boy. Despite the outside noise hyping his quality, he remains composed and grounded. This is a testament to his close family and a coaching staff that have successfully protected him from the spotlight thus far.
The anticipation for the 2026/27 campaign will include whether Gabriel is included in the preseason tour. All signs point towards him doing so, having already trained with the first team at times. As the wonderkid turned 15 during the current season rather than before it, league eligibility rules prevented a historic debut this season.
However, should he step onto the pitch next season, he will officially become the youngest player to ever represent Manchester United. His ascent is similar to Max Dowman at Arsenal, who did have the age advantage in debuting for the Gunners in 2025/26. With United’s return to the Champions League secured, the stage is perfectly set for Gabriel to make his mark on the senior stage in domestic cup competitions at the very least.
