Man United primed to fast-track 'generational talent' after Ryan Giggs is blown away
Manchester United starlet JJ Gabriel has become the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League.
The 15-year-old is thought to be among the most exciting young players in the country, and will likely make his senior debut for Michael Carrick's team this season.
The teenager was 14 at the start of last season and ineligible to play in the Premier League, but he can this season and could also feature in the domestic cups.
Gabriel's hat-trick against FC Sabah's Under-19s came in just the second half of a 5-0 win, and was his debut in the competition.
The first of which saw him control and volley into the bottom corner, before an audacious dribble in the box for his second and a great run, control and finish to secure the match ball.
Man United had feared losing Gabriel last year but eventually secured a pre-contract agreement for the talent, fighting off huge interest.
JJ Gabriel set for more Man United history
Often compared to Arsenal's Max Dowman, Gabriel features both in attacking midfield and up front.
The 15-year-old is incredibly talented and there is little doubt that, barring injury or external factors, he will star for Man United's senior team eventually.
The England youth international was has been playing well above his age bracket for some time now, being named U18 player of the season last season.
Gabriel scored 23 goals in just 23 games, including a ridiculous run that saw him score 13 goals in just nine appearances to end the league campaign.
He has already netted two goals in Premier League 2 this season, and after Thursday's brilliant hat-trick, his breakthrough appears inevitable.
What Ryan Giggs said about Gabriel
Should Gabriel make his Man United debut before his birthday in October, he will beat David Gaskell's record and become their youngest player ever to feature.
He has until around the end of the year to beat Dowman's record and become the youngest Premier League goal-scorer ever.
But there is a duty of care that must be followed when it comes to such a young player.
"In my view, JJ is sort of a generational talent. He’s got to stay at Man United," Ryan Giggs said earlier this month.
"There’s no point in going out on loan because he’s at the best place and he’d be dipping in and out of the first team. So that experience is invaluable.
"You know, not only the games and the training, but actually travelling with the team, seeing the expectation of Man United, you’re seeing all sort of, the focus is so huge on Manchester United. You need to get used to that”.