Manchester United academy: JJ Gabriel’s debut and Kai Rooney’s impact noted
Gabriel’s Progression and Academy Interest
JJ Gabriel, a Manchester United academy talent, has continued to train with the first team following his inclusion in a senior matchday squad against Rosenborg in Norway. He made his first-team debut in Stockholm against Atletico Madrid, and was part of the travelling squad for a training camp near Dublin. While he is spending more time with the first team, he is expected to play with the Under-21s for the opening Premier League season match against Hull on August 22.
Gabriel has participated in behind-closed-doors friendlies for the Under-21s this summer, though he has not yet made a competitive debut for that age group. The Under-21s are scheduled to begin their season against Ipswich two days after the first team’s match against Hull. Gabriel was unable to play for the Under-21s last season because he was 14 when the campaign began, but there are no longer restrictions on his play, making a senior debut in the first half of the season a possibility.
There is significant interest in Gabriel, with Chelsea reportedly showing the strongest interest in the 15-year-old. Other clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham, are also said to be interested. Gabriel was voted the U18 Premier League Player of the Season in the 2025/26 season. Manchester United are reportedly confident in retaining the player and are working to secure his future before his 16th birthday, when he will be eligible to sign scholarship terms.
Youth Team Fixtures and Player Development
The Manchester United Under-18s are set to face Manchester City at Carrington on August 22 for their opening league fixture. This match is seen as an early title decider, as the two clubs have consistently competed for the U18 Northern League title, with City winning by four points last season and two points the season before, and United finishing as runners-up both times. Fans will not be able to attend the match, but MUTV will broadcast the game. The fixture is also a repeat of the FA Youth Cup final from May.
Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick are expected to feature prominently for the Under-18s in the upcoming campaign. Rooney made his debut at Old Trafford last season, appearing as a substitute in an FA Youth Cup game against Derby. Carrick is also anticipated to play in the competition this term. Both players earned their scholarship deals based on merit within the academy. Rooney has transitioned from playing as a striker to operating on the wing, where he is noted for cutting inside with his left foot.
United are also reportedly interested in signing Louis Page, an 18-year-old midfielder from Leicester City. Page has already made 21 senior appearances for Leicester across various competitions. The club aims to attract players like Page by highlighting the pathway to the first team, using Ayden Heaven as an example of an academy player who has become a permanent member of the senior squad.
Academy Sales Strategy
Manchester United have been working to improve their approach to selling academy players. The club’s strategy, which became more noticeable in the summer of 2024, involves including favourable clauses such as buy-backs and sell-ons in player sales. This approach was seen in the sales of academy players like Mason Greenwood, Alvaro Fernandez, and Willy Kambwala.
This strategy continued with the recent move of Ethan Williams to Peterborough. United received a “sizeable fee” from the League One club, which included add-ons. Additionally, the club inserted a 50 per cent sell-on clause, along with buyback and matching rights clauses, reflecting a deliberate business strategy.
The club aims to become a more effective selling club, making gradual progress in this area since last summer’s recruitment efforts.
Manchester United’s pre-season has included a 5-0 win against Rosenborg and a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk