'He is': Fletcher confirms one Man Utd academy star will not be selected vs Brighton today

Manchester United interim head coach Darren Fletcher has lavished praise on academy wonderkid JJ Gabriel.

The rules allow United to include the 15-year-old in their matchday squad for the FA Cup games.

The Red Devils are set to host Brighton & Hove Albion today in the third round of this domestic tournament.

Amid growing speculation, Fletcher was asked whether supporters could expect to see Gabriel in the matchday squad.

While the former United midfielder shut down that possibility for now, he could not hide his admiration for the teenager’s talent.

He said (via ManUtd.com): “He could be, but he’s not going to be. Obviously, anybody could be picked. But JJ is a fantastic talent.

“You know, there’s a lot of noise around him, and deservedly so, because he’s a really talented kid. He works hard. He loves football.

“The first thing I say is he loves football. He loves training; he loves playing; he loves having the ball; he loves expressing himself; he makes fantastic decisions; he’s just got an enthusiasm for the game that’s just amazing.

“Just a 15-year-old with a bright future ahead of him.”

Gabriel has a big future

Still only 15, Gabriel is already turning heads as a devastating left winger, while also showing the versatility to operate in more central roles this season.

Fletcher has worked closely with the youngster over the past six months at Under-18 level, giving him a first-hand view of his rapid development.

The 41-year-old was the deciding figure in trying him out as a striker in order to get him more involved in front of goal.

Blessed with lightning footwork and fearless dribbling, Gabriel has drawn lofty comparisons to Neymar and Lionel Messi for his ability to beat defenders one-on-one.

Interest from major European clubs is already surfacing, placing pressure on United to manage his rise carefully and protect his long-term future.

If his progression continues at this pace, a step up to the Under-21s next season appears a natural next stage, with a first-team debut firmly on the horizon.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .