24 Aug 2026 22:37:11
Hope it's an omen of things to come on Sunday, U21s first game of the season tonight. Result, Utd 5 Ipswich 0.
15yr old JJ Gabriel made his debut for U21s and yes, he scored. Chipped the keeper from outside the box. This follows last season's 26 goals and 3 assists from 26 appearances for the U18s.
There is still concern over retaining him, significant interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, amongst others.
Reckon he could get a first team debut prior to end of Oct to become youngest ever for club, to show him how highly he is rated.
Part of the plan in place to let him know he is seen as the future face of the club.
On a different subject, heard a rumour that if we fail to get a left back, then may well try playing Baleba in that position (although he has never played there) with the intention of him moving into the midfield, when we are in possession of the ball, thus outnumbering the opposing team in that area. Did it a couple of times last season with Shaw.
Haven't seen anything official regarding him signing yet, don't know if there has been any delay. Maybe just leaving it until tomorrow.
25 Aug 2026 07:17:41
Get JJ in this squad if that's the case. 15 or 35, who cares if you got the talent, age don't matter. If we don't put this kid in soon, we are going to lose him. TBF, can't be any worse than some of our regulars.
25 Aug 2026 11:27:54
Well, well, look who is back!
It's all very well saying 'if they are good enough', but you need to think it through a bit.
He is 5' 5'' and less than 10st. Physically, he would be overwhelmed and destroyed. What effect could that have on him?
If we were winning a game 3 or 4 nil, let him have the final 10 mins, such that he can experience first-team football and realise what he will be facing long term.
Before anyone mentions Dowman at Arsenal, he is 6' and about 12st; he is more like Rooney was physically at 16.
25 Aug 2026 12:16:30
He is a child. A very talented young boy.
You only have to look at dozens of players that get exposed to men's football too early, and then fade as their bodies are destroyed.
For every Messi or Yamal, there are dozens who get ruined and are done at 30.
No rush to have him in the 1st team and on the pitch imo.
25 Aug 2026 13:36:41
Quite right Ken, it would be total lunacy to let a15yr old, with his physicality, into the bear pit of the EPL.
Imagine how many six foot three centre backs would relish the challenge of ''leaving their mark on him.''
I suppose that in this ever changing world, you can take some solace from the enduring certainty that JSU will continue to say idiotic things, without thought or consideration to the outcome of his ramblings.
I am also really concerned at the fact that 1 person seemingly agrees with him.
25 Aug 2026 19:33:08
Lol. So say goodbye to him then when Barca or Real come calling.
Heaven is 6ft plus and built like a brick *** house, but he was bullied by a Championship striker.
Messi is what, 5ft 5, and he does alright. I'm not saying he is Messi, but if you're good enough, you're old enough to be in this squad. Dorgu is a super athlete, but that's all an athlete - he ain't a footballer.
We are buying poor players like Tielemans and Santos, for god's sake, if we have such a talented player, whatever age.
He needs to be in the squad and given some minutes, even if only to keep him interested and reward him for what he is doing. If you're too scared to put a young kid in, or he will trot, and who can blame him if you're going to wait 2-3 years before he gets a chance.
25 Aug 2026 21:32:40
Jsu, come on, lad. Writing off Tielemans and Santos as poor players is ridiculous. As is rushing in a 15-year-old. What he and his parents will want is a club that does right by him. That means giving him time to develop, giving him opportunities when they arise, and easing the pressure on him.
25 Aug 2026 21:26:12
Your determined to prove absolutely your ability to endlessly spout nonsense.
Messi was 17 when he made his Barcelona debut and it took him time beyond that to play regularly.
If you think Tielemans and Santos are poor players then clearly you have no idea of what constitutes a good footballer.
Actually, I should of left that at, you have no idea!