Why JJ Gabriel cannot play for Manchester United first team as Bryan Mbeumo hails 'special' talent | OneFootball

Premier League rules stipulate Michael Carrick is “not allowed” to hand the 15-year-old wonderkid his senior debut

Future star: JJ Gabriel has impressed at Under-18’s level for Manchester United this season

Manchester United via Getty Imag

Bryan Mbeumo has labelled Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel as “something special” with the youngster training with the first team once again.

Such has been the youngster’s standout performances, he earned a first call-up to train with the senior players in the autumn and did so again this week ahead of the Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

According to Mbuemo, Gabriel left quite an impression on many of the first team players.

"He's strong, the little guy is strong,” Mbeumo said on the Zack En Roue Libre podcast.

"He's really something, frankly... I think he's 15. You feel that he's bound to be a little kid but he trains quite a bit with us and actually you see, you can feel that the little guy has something special.

“He's actually kind of a winger, he's a dribbler and even in front of the box, I still think he's good, honestly. Even when it's one-on-one, often when you're young... you stutter but I think he already has good blood.

"We saw him score some nice goals, he has a good shot. Technically, he's strong."

While Mbeumo has been waxing lyrical about Gabriel, a potential senior debut for the talented teenager before the end of the season “is not allowed”, as confirmed by Man United head coach Michael Carrick.

Why JJ Gabriel can’t play for Manchester United first team

Gabriel is not eligible to play for Man United in the Premier League as competition rules state players in match-day squads cannot be from a lower age group than the Under-16’s.

“He’s doing really well, JJ. We’ve got some really good players in the Academy and we try and get the younger players up as much as we can,” Carrick said on Friday.

“So yeah, we’re always trying to give that exposure to the players to come and train and feel it. JJ’s a big talent, it’s pretty obvious to know that and he’s had a really good season for the Under-18s.

JJ Gabriel and Bryan Mbeumo in a Manchester United training session

Manchester United via Getty Imag

“We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important and managing everything that comes with that, and working with him, development, as we do with all the different age groups and younger players, and picking the right moment to step up, picking the right moment to leave them in a certain place and ups and downs.

“But he’s done well, he’s trained, he’s done well, as you’d expect. It’s good to have the younger players come up with us.”

Gabriel could have featured for United in the FA Cup this season prior to being knocked out by Brighton in the third round.

Therefore, Gabriel - who turns 16 in October - will have to wait until next season to get the opportunity to make his bow in the Premier League for Man United.