Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut on Thursday afternoon.
Gabriel, who has been playing for Man United’s U21 side aged just 15, is arguably the hottest prospect in world football.
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Red Devils icon Ryan Giggs labelled him a ‘generational talent’ earlier this week, and the teenager has now shown why.
United’s U19s beat Sabah 5-0 ahead of the first teams’ Champions League clash, which is live on talkSPORT, with Gabriel scoring three.
And by doing so, he made history for the Premier League giants.
At 15 years and 339 days old, he is now the youngest ever goalscorer for the club in the UEFA Youth League, overtaking Angel Gomes, who netted in the competition aged 17 and 34 days old.
Gabriel’s historic hat-trick
Gabriel scored his first of the game just before half time, as he perfectly volleyed in a rebound to make it 3-0.
A shot bounced back to him, forcing him to react quickly and chest the ball down, finding the back of the net with his laces.
His second, which came in the 85th minute of the match, saw him take one touch in the box, neatly cut inside onto his right foot, and tuck a strike into the bottom corner.
Gabriel’s third came just two minutes after, as Jim Thwaites’ lofted ball sent the young star racing through on goal.
He then brushed off some pressure from the chasing defenders and broke into the box, smashing past the goalkeeper.
The rising talent wheeled off to celebrate and then held three fingers aloft with the match ball after the whistle.
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When could Gabriel make his first-team debut?
Man United’s Gabriel continues to show why he is considered one of the best young players on the planet.
So, after scoring a hat-trick on his Youth League debut, could that mean a first-team debut could be on the cards?
He made his first senior appearances for the Red Devils during pre-season and has regularly trained alongside Bruno Fernandes and co.
And manager Michael Carrick said in August: “JJ is one of the boys. He’s obviously got a really big talent.
“He’s trained with us quite a bit and is getting experience all the time. He’s physically adapting to each step, and we’re just continuing his development.”
Should he be handed his full Man United debut before October 22, he would become the club’s youngest-ever player.
Goalkeeper David Gaskell holds the record after playing his first game aged 16 years and 19 days.
