Manchester United’s U18 side were in fine form on Saturday morning to beat Liverpool by a whopping seven goals to nil.
Saturday morning was a flashback to previous seasons for the U18s, putting seven goals past Liverpool away from home in a completely dominant victory.
Manchester United were top class and benefited from the return of Bendito Mantato and Jim Thwaites, who got a goal each and led the team.
But as United won 7-0 against Liverpool, it was 15-year-old JJ Gabriel who stole all the headlines with his three impressive goals.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty ImagesJJ Gabriel continues his lightning-hot season against Liverpool
To win 7-0 at any level is an accomplishment worth being proud of, and Manchester United should be thrilled with the way the U18s played against Liverpool.
In particular, it is JJ Gabriel who deserves the most praise for his hat-trick, as he scored three brilliant goals to bring his season tally to 10 in just nine starts.
Sum up JJ Gabriel in one word…🔥 
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Watching on commentary, MUTV commentator Arthur Albiston couldn’t help but laud Gabriel for his first goal in particular.
Gabriel left Liverpool defenders “bamboozled”, Albiston explained as he tricked one way then another before finding the opening.
Gabriel is so dangerous when picking up the ball in the box; no matter whether he has space or not, he will make the space himself.
At just 15, it is important not to get too carried away with Gabriel, but his performances leave no choice but to heap praise on him.
JJ Gabriel already becoming a first-team regular in training at Manchester United
Despite his age and only being in his first full season with the U18s, Gabriel is considered the best academy player at the club, and it is easy to see why.
The 15-year-old is not just a top talent for his age, but his ability is up there with anyone at the club. Gabriel can do remarkable things with a ball, and comparisons to Neymar are accurate.
It speaks volumes that already Amorim has had Gabriel in first-team training, as recently as this week, as he is preparing the wonderkid to debut as soon as he is allowed to, which would be next season.
Gabriel looks likely to be United’s Max Dowman or Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal; we just have to hope and pray he decides to stay at Carrington for the rewards of his development.