Joshua Zirkzee Stunned as 15-Year-Old Wonderkid “Kid Messi” JJ Gabriel Humiliates Senior Stars in First Training
A fresh surge of excitement is reportedly sweeping through Manchester United’s training base, and it’s being sparked by a teenager who is still years away from holding a driver’s license. After the club’s emphatic victory over Everton, interim manager Michael Carrick is said to have handed 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel a surprise opportunity to train with the senior squad — and the youngster didn’t just observe, he reportedly stole the spotlight.
What was initially planned as a brief introduction to first-team intensity quickly turned into a jaw-dropping showcase. Gabriel is believed to have dazzled at Carrington with fearless dribbling and sharp finishing that left established professionals stunned. Among those most impressed was Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, who didn’t hesitate to express his admiration publicly.
Speaking after the session, Zirkzee reportedly described Gabriel’s impact as extraordinary. The forward admitted he expected the coaches to handle the teenager cautiously, but instead watched him take on seasoned defenders with remarkable confidence. According to him, Gabriel’s tight control and composure in front of goal were beyond his years, making it hard to believe he had only just stepped into the senior environment.
Gabriel’s growing reputation has been building for some time. Nicknamed “Kid Messi” for his low center of gravity and ability to glide past opponents, the youngster has been prolific at youth level, netting 16 goals for the Under-18s this season. Observers have drawn stylistic comparisons to Lionel Messi, noting similarities in balance and close control, though many within the club are keen to manage expectations carefully.
Because of his age, Gabriel cannot yet sign a professional contract or head out on loan, meaning his development must happen internally. Insiders suggest he has been studying the movement of Amad Diallo, while also adding a direct, aggressive edge in attacking areas — an approach that has reportedly even unsettled senior figures such as Harry Maguire during training drills.
His emergence comes amid a broader youth revival at Old Trafford. Tyler Fletcher recently made his senior bow against Tottenham Hotspur, and Bendito Mantato became the club’s 257th academy graduate, underlining a renewed commitment to homegrown talent. With Matheus Cunha reportedly facing a lengthy suspension, speculation is growing that Gabriel could be accelerated into matchday squads sooner than expected.
There is also talk that Carrick is eager to rewrite history by handing a record-breaking debut to the teenager, a milestone currently associated with Angel Gomes. Whether that ambition becomes reality remains to be seen, but the buzz among supporters is undeniable. Social media has erupted with calls for Gabriel to be included in the squad for the upcoming clash against Crystal Palace.
The excitement is palpable, yet so is the caution. While Zirkzee’s glowing endorsement highlights the dressing room’s openness to embracing the next wave, questions remain about whether such intense hype could place undue pressure on a 15-year-old who has yet to make his competitive debut. For now, though, one thing appears certain: JJ Gabriel has already ensured that all eyes are firmly fixed on Carrington.
