Norman Whiteside challenges JJ Gabriel to break his Man Utd goalscoring record for youngest ever player

Manchester United could see history made in the upcoming 2026/27 season.

The rise of JJ Gabriel has been a sight to behold for Manchester United academy viewers in 2025/26. And even if you have not been able to see the games – you likely will have heard of the youngster.

15-year-old Gabriel has scored 27 goals for the under-18s. He is making rapid progress towards a future first team appearance.

After becoming the youngest ever recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Award for best under-18s player, Gabriel could create even more history.

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He won the U18s Premier League Player of the Year

JJ Gabriel could set records

JJ Gabriel could become Manchester United’s youngest player if he makes his first team debut early next season.

The record is held by former goalkeeper David Gaskell, who made his debut at 16 years and 19 days – way back in 1950.

Gabriel turns 16 on October 6. So providing he makes his debut prior to October 25 – he will set the record outright.

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And there is more. Gabriel could become Manchester United’s youngest ever goalscorer.

It is a record set by Norman Whiteside back in 1982, when he was 17 years and 8 days old.

Gabriel has over a year to break the record, and Whiteside has urged him to do it.

Writing on X, following the anniversary of his own record, set on May 15 1982, Gabriel

He wrote: “Thank you to each and everyone of you for your very kind comments about my youngest goal record. it is there to be beat JJ Gabriel go for it lad :)”

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Gabriel now needs break

JJ Gabriel’s 2025/26 season is over. His final under-18s game of the season was the FA Youth Cup Final, a 2-1 defeat to City.

While a disappointing result, it does not take away from his brilliant achievements this season.

Gabriel will get a shot to prove that he belongs in the first team during pre-season.

Perhaps for his own good, Gabriel has been ineligible to play with the senior squad this season. He will get his chance next season.

But now the most important thing is that he gets a rest to recover from a busy campaign, to go again next time around.

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