JJ Gabriel fires hat-trick as Man United U18s crush Derby County in U18 PL

JJ Gabriel stole the headlines as Manchester United U18s beat Derby County 4-0 in the U18 Premier League North at the Moor Farm Training Centre to continue their impressive start under new coach Darren Fletcher.

United U18s quickly gained control of the game as they took the lead in the fifth minute through Gabriel’s right-footed strike.

Captain Amir Ibragimov then went close to doubling the lead but was denied by goalkeeper Cristiano Dzialuk.

Shortly after hitting the crossbar from outside the box, Gabriel got his brace, striking a right-footed shot beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Centre-back Albert Mills forced Dzialuk to make another save before the red-hot Gabriel netted again on 27 minutes, this time with his left foot, after receiving a pass from Samuel Lusale.

The 14-year-old has now netted five goals in three league games, just two behind Crystal Palace’s Benjamin Casey – the division’s top scorer.

United could not add to their tally before the break, and Derby were no threat at the other end.

Despite the Rams starting the second half brightly, United still looked likelier to score and registered another shot on target when Jim Thwaites fired a shot saved by Dzialuk.

Six minutes after the hour mark, Ibragimov added to Man United’s tally from the penalty spot after Douka Abdoulaye was brought down inside the penalty area by Braidy Connell-Webster.

The young Reds continued to dominate and had chances to increase their advantage late on through Gabriel, Lusale and Ibragimov, but were all denied by Dzialuk.

Man United head into the international break as joint table-toppers in the U18 Premier League North, but are the only side yet to concede a goal.

They return to action on September 13 with a league clash against Burnley at Carrington.

Article written by Henry Thornton .