Why Man United star won’t be in squad against Brentford despite hints of selection
JJ Gabriel has impressed with his performances for the U18s this season and is training with the Manchester United first team.
Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel will not be included in the club’s matchday squad against Brentford due to Premier League rules. The 15-year-old has been a regular for the Under-18s this season.
In his 26 appearances for the youth side in all competitions, he scored 23 times, much to the delight of United fans. However, he missed the latest Premier League Under-18s game as he was involved in first-team training, with the United youngsters suffering a 2-1 defeat against Sunderland.
United are planning to include the youngster in their pre-season plans in the summer to show him there is a route to the first team. But he won’t be on the Premier League matchday squad, despite his first-team involvement this season.
Because Gabriel was only 14 when the season started, Premier League rules mean he is ineligible to play in the competition. However, he could be included in the squad for the FA Cup earlier in the campaign.
He will therefore not be included in the squad for Monday night’s clash against Brentford, despite being in the first team for the past few days.
Emad posted a video on social media on Sunday in which the youngster apologised after losing a training ground battle against the Ivory Coast international. Gabriel said to the camera: “I’m sorry, Emad, for challenging you in a shooting competition. I will never compete with you again. But if I do, I will beat you!”
JJ Gabriel will not play in the Premier League for Manchester United this season despite impressing in the youth teams. (Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Integrating him into training now is an indication of what’s to come in pre-season and the 2026/27 campaign, should the youngster continue his development.
Emad’s messages suggest that he has already settled into the team’s first environment.
United U18s are back in action on Wednesday when they host Liverpool in the U18 Premier League (12.30pm kick-off). Gabriel’s inclusion in the squad for this match remains uncertain.
They face Newcastle (A) and Stoke City (H) in their remaining fixtures before facing Man City in the FA Youth Cup final.
After the game against Brentford, United return to action next Sunday when they host Liverpool at Old Trafford (3.30pm kick-off). They then face Sunderland’s (A), Nottingham Forest’s (H), and Brighton’s (A).
