Manchester United's Crown Prince Arrives! 15-Year-Old "Little Messi" to Join First Team Next Season, New Star's Contract Renewal Announcement Date Set

Manchester United intends to bring 15-year-old academy striker Gabriel (JJ Gabriel) into the senior squad for the upcoming summer's preseason camp and warm-up games. Since this English youth also possesses Irish citizenship, he is eligible to move to European clubs sooner than other domestic peers. Hence, United is keen to demonstrate the straightforward route to the first team to avoid losing him to top European clubs such as Barcelona.

Including Gabriel in the preseason tour will be the best way to showcase the club's high regard for him. This season, nicknamed "Kid Messi," Gabriel has scored 21 goals in 23 appearances for the Under-18s, leading the Premier League U18 scoring charts with 19 goals.

Gabriel has already trained multiple times with Manchester United's first team, with manager Carrick praising him as a highly talented player. Based on promises made by sporting director Jason Wilcox last year to retain him, this天才 who will turn 16 in October is confirmed to be included in the preseason squad.

The 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup this summer, expanded for the first time to 48 teams, could also help Gabriel's entry into the first team. After the tournament, international players require three weeks of rest, meaning United's squad will inevitably include more academy players than in non-World Cup years.

This year's World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19. Manchester United traditionally sets the first week of July as the start of summer training at Carrington. The club plans to stay in Europe for training and matches this summer, currently finalizing the schedule, which may include visits to Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

According to Premier League rules, players who turn 15 before August are eligible to register for the Premier League and Premier League 2. Gabriel, born on October 6, 2010, did not meet the age requirement this season, so he could only play in U18 competitions. However, next season will be different—he can now play for the first team and even has a chance to challenge the record for youngest Premier League goal scorer!

In the recently released 2026 "NXGN World's Best 20 Under 20" list, Gabriel ranked 50th, being the youngest player included. But upon entering United's first team, he may compete with 20-year-old senior Kobbie Mainoo for the title of top academy crown prince.

Mainoo, who had zero Premier League starts under Ruben Amorim, has changed his fate with Carrick's重用. He has not only regained a starting role but also seen contract renewal talks progress rapidly since January, nearing agreement. British media report that Mainoo will receive a basic weekly wage of £120,000 plus substantial performance-linked bonuses, reaching the income level of a key player.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms that the renewal is expected to be announced before the season ends. "United are close to agreeing a new contract with Kobbie (Mainoo). Talks started in January, and the deal will run until 2031. Renewing Kobbie's contract is a priority for United; he has重新 become a key player under Carrick. Final details need resolving, not completely done yet, but very close, and United are optimistic. Both sides aim to finalize it before this season ends."

Mainoo, who has already重返 the England national team, is currently the only homegrown academy product in the starting lineup. But many fans hope Gabriel can be the next, challenging the positions of高价 teammates like Cunha and Amad Diallo.