Manchester United Ready to Secure Rising 14-Year-Old Prodigy with Fresh Contract Deal

Manchester United have successfully secured 14-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel with a fresh contract extension.

The young talent was previously labeled 'Kid Messi' after achieving internet fame on YouTube before reaching his tenth birthday. Gabriel has since progressed through United's academy system, drawing interest from numerous Premier League competitors.

United have established a pattern of acquiring promising youngsters from rival clubs—particularly securing Arsenal's Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven during the previous season—and were determined not to become victims of similar recruitment tactics.

Following direct involvement from United's recently appointed sporting director Jason Wilcox, Gabriel has agreed to a two-year deal that will retain him at the club until age 16, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Gabriel essentially verified the announcement on Monday through a social media update stating: "Things are different now." This was accompanied by a "fulltime" hashtag indicating the enhanced professional status that such an agreement provides.

It's improbable that Ruben Amorim will utilize Gabriel during the upcoming Premier League season—the youngster won't reach 15 until October, and Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri remains the sole player under 16 to feature in England's premier division. Nevertheless, those who have observed the striker's abilities firsthand believe he could make the transition.

"When he initially began training, [his competitive spirit] was the most notable quality," Gabriel's personal coach Alfie Brooks shared with Mail Sport.

"I've trained almost 1,000 academy prospects throughout my career—four of them including Josh Nichols (Arsenal), Josh Acheampong (Chelsea), Sydie Peck (Sheffield United) and Tyrique George (Chelsea) have achieved senior team appearances—and JJ surpasses them all.

"He could enter a Premier League dressing room today and technically outclass every player there. The difference would be substantial."

Despite being born nine months following the original iPad launch, Gabriel has already represented United's U18 squad. During just 71 minutes of playing time last season, the 14-year-old netted three goals.