Man Utd laid out the red carpet to convince 14-year-old prodigy of his future at club during Arsenal game

Manchester United’s present has been filled with hope after a spirited performance against Arsenal, despite the loss, but their future is bright as well.

Ineos have made a concerted effort to sprinkle in some wonderkids to an already exciting batch at Carrington, a practice that is paying dividends.

United’s youth system is the envy of England right now, matched only by their Manchester rivals.

Therefore, it’s a big statement of intent of their belief in a player’s abilities if they are inviting a 14-year-old to the director’s box for the game against Arsenal.

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Man Utd laid out the red carpet for JJ Gabriel

JJ Gabriel has been a name that has been spoken about in excited tones ever since he broke through on social media with his moniker “Kid Messi”.

United were given a huge boost in the summer when they managed to tie down Gabriel to the club for the next two years, when he will be able to negotiate with European clubs.

The fast-track process for Gabriel is already underway, with the player a regular part of the U18s despite being just 14.

To his credit, Gabriel has played like he’s worthy of that chance, dominating at that level despite an obvious physical disadvantage.

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United’s preparations to convince him of a future at Old Trafford are already underway as they prepare for an intense battle for his signature when he turns 16.

Gabriel was invited to watch Man Utd vs Arsenal at the stadium in the director’s box, a trick that convinced Ayden Heaven that his future lay at United.

With Heaven, it was a move to convince him he should join the club, so the same being done for Gabriel when he’s already at the club, and won’t go anywhere for at least the next two years speaks volumes about the confidence the club have in his abilities.

United need to protect Gabriel from his own hype

While pulling out all the stops to ensure a potentially generational talent doesn’t leave is the obvious thing to do, there will be a need for balance soon.

United have already seen it with Alejandro Garnacho most recently, and with numerous before him, how young players who are given “saviour” status get lost in their own hype.

Gabriel has vast potential, and his domination at the U18s level at his age is practically unheard of, but United need to ensure his head remains screwed right.

They will also need to protect him from the scrutiny that comes with playing for Man Utd, especially now that he’s effectively a household name already.

A 14-year-old should be playing football as a source of enjoyment first and foremost, and then the spirit of competition.

First-team breakthroughs and career paths are to be decided later. United have given him a glimpse of what he can have if he stays.

Now they just need to support him while keeping him grounded.

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