Fletcher knows him well: Man Utd tempted to unleash 15yo academy star vs Brighton in FA Cup

Manchester United will be kicking off their FA Cup campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United have won the prestigious domestic tournament 13 times, with their most recent triumph coming in 2023–24 under former manager Erik ten Hag.

Only Arsenal have won the competition more times (14) than the Red Devils.

United will have to take the tournament very seriously but will also look to give their young starlets a taste of senior football.

JJ Gabriel is one of the rising stars who are making a serious push towards the first team.

According to journalist Nathan Salt, Gabriel trained with the first-team squad on Monday.

He is rated very highly at Old Trafford and insiders at United are not ruling out the prospect of Gabriel making the matchday squad against Brighton.

Big opportunity for JJ Gabriel

The 15-year-old has taken the Under-18s by storm with his sensational performances.

He has netted 10 goals for the youth side in Premier League 2 this season.

Only two players have scored more goals than him.

Apart from Gabriel, all of the top 25 goalscorers in the tournament are aged 16 or higher.

His goal tally includes a scintillating hat-trick in the 7-0 demolition of Liverpool at the end of November.

Gabriel is naturally a left-winger but can also operate as a striker.

Darren Fletcher knows him well, having personally overseen his move into a central role earlier this season.

The idea behind this move was to bring Gabriel closer to the box, where he could use his quick dribbling, create space and fire shots.

Fletcher is now the interim head coach of the first team after the exit of Ruben Amorim.

The 41-year-old is likely to lead the team from the touchline again on Sunday.

Senior football does not only require talent but also the right physicality.

This is where Gabriel could struggle as he is very young.

The future is bright for the phenomenal teenager and it would be a huge vote of confidence from the club if he is included in the matchday squad on Sunday.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .