John O'Kane explains why JJ Gabriel is the true heir to Ryan Giggs at Man Utd

JJ Gabriel is becoming unstoppable for Manchester United at an U18 level, and his best goal yet came on Saturday against Wolves. For this, he has earned comparisons to Ryan Giggs.

It’s been a brilliant seven days for the Manchester United academy with three consecutive wins, and for JJ Gabriel, four goals.

Saturday saw this run continue, with United comfortably defeating Wolves 3-1 at Carrington as Michael Carrick stood pitch-side, and it was against Gabriel who stood out.

Two goals for the 15-year-old, including one that was sensational. For that goal, he’s now earned a Ryan Giggs comparison.

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JJ Gabriel earns a comparison to Ryan Giggs

For his first goal of the day, Gabriel picked up the ball in the box after a pass from Dan Armer with multiple defenders in his path. But he twisted and turned to find a gap before unleashing a ferocious strike with his left foot, which smashed the underside of the bar and went in.

It was completely unsalvageable for the goalkeeper. Now, the manner in which he is able to create goals for himself has been hailed.

Gabriel has been hailed by former United youth player and teammate of Giggs, John O’Kane, on X, as he tweeted praise for the youngster.

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“I know it’s kiddy football but is JJ taking the ____ now”, along with a laughing face emoji. He then added, “Giggs used to do this kinda stuff”, with a cold emoji to likely signify he is impressed.

Gabriel already looks like the most experienced player on the pitch, despite being the youngest, and the goal he scored this weekend was simply outrageous.

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Manchester United’s left-wing plans should begin and end with JJ Gabriel

This coming summer is likely to see United target a new left winger, but those plans must be halted because, at the rate JJ Gabriel is developing, he is going to be ready before long.

Gabriel has been billed as a special talent for United, and week by week, he is proving it with better performances and more rounded qualities.

For those who watch the academy, the development has been clear, as Gabriel emerged as an exciting talent, scoring goals, but he was raw.

Gabriel was being pushed around by defenders, and his game was very much skills and trying to force things. But now he has added calmness and control to his game, along with improving physicality, which sees him battling for balls and contributing in ways beyond goals.

These improvements will be key for Gabriel to step up into the first team, but Michael Carrick was watching on the sidelines, and if he becomes permanent, it feels inevitable that the teenager will break out next season.

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