Man Utd 'break shirt number history' for 14-year-old they are desperate to keep
JJ Gabriel, the 14-year-old wonderkid, has reportedly committed his future to Manchester United and been handed an official squad number. Gabriel, who has been dubbed 'Kid Messi', is viewed as one of the most exciting young prospects at the club.
He made his debut for United's under-18s back in April, bagging a brace as the Red Devils thrashed Leeds 13-1. Gabriel is the son of former Republic of Ireland international Joe O'Cearuill and recently signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with Nike.
According to the Daily Mail, Gabriel was attracting interest from a number of clubs but has decided to remain at United after director of football Jason Wilcox and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves stepped in and helped persuade the youngster to stay.
And a photo has now emerged of Gabriel wearing United's new training gear, with the 14-year-old having been given the squad number 95. That would be the highest squad number a United player has ever worn.
According to transfermarkt, the previous record was held by Godwill Kunoki who was given the number 87 last season.
Alfie Brooks, who has worked with Gabriel as his specialist one-to-one coach, believes the wonderkid's technique is already good enough for the Premier League. "When he first started training, [his competitiveness] was the standout attribute," Brooks said.
"I've coached nearly 1,000 academy players over my time - four of them in Josh Nichols ( Arsenal), Josh Acheampong ( Chelsea), Sydie Peck (Sheffield United) and Tyrique George (Chelsea) have made their senior debuts - and JJ is the best I've ever seen.
"He could go into a Premier League changing room right now and technically he would be better than all of them. It wouldn't even be close."
Gabriel is also said to have become close friends with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr during their time together in United's academy. Ronaldo Jr has since joined the Al Nassr Academy, with his father currently playing for the Saudi Arabian club.
Ronaldo Jr made his debut for Portugal's under-15s in May, with Ronaldo Sr paying tribute to his son on Instagram as he wrote: "Congratulations on your debut for Portugal, son. Very proud of you."
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