27 Jul 2026 17:55:47
Posted this to another thread and updated: I'm working with someone professionally who also works with Utd. They mentioned a few bits that's ok to share:

Speaks highly of JJ. Unusual lad, but a nice lad. Very mature, but also can let his head drop. His family are very hands-on. It's crucial United keep them happy, to keep JJ. He will play this season. Promised.

Thwaites - good player, but not physically ready.

Devaney - top pro and player, very much in the mould of Fletcher Snr in attitude, really well thought of. One to watch. Fitzgerald was said to be similar.

Moorhouse - might have missed his moment, but seen as potentially better than the Fletcher twins. Could be a late bloomer or mid EPL player.

Obi - poor movement, flat-track bully at youth level, sent back to youth football as touch and ability not at the top level.

Gore - good player, probably missed his chance; injury wrecked early loans.

Main thing they're looking for physicality and off the ball.

He also mentioned they have been shocked by the reports from lads they've signed from City.

Utd do gym work, ball work, patterns and always have matches - lots of variety to build a complete player. They all learn at least 3 positions and play games in them.

Some of the ex City are blown away and loving it.

City is no matches, only play on match day. Everything else is systems and conditioning.

I was surprised but it's as they have the "best" players and don't focus on basics.

He also pointed out for all the ex City academy players there's not many who have done that well or look complete as a footballer. Also suggested Foden has never improved and Pep is considered a cheque book manager. He beats Nemcha though.

1.) 27 Jul 2026
27 Jul 2026 19:13:22
Awesome, I love rumours like these. I don't think Obi will make it. He doesn't look great in the youth team. JJ is then one they think might be a generational talent. We shall see.

2.) 27 Jul 2026
27 Jul 2026 20:12:53
Thanks utd road, great post.

3.) 28 Jul 2026
27 Jul 2026 23:59:51
Thanks for the insight.

4.) 28 Jul 2026
28 Jul 2026 10:25:01
If that's true. JJ will have to break away from his family at some point and get himself a top agent. Family will lead with their hearts, which isn't a bad thing, but it will eventually cause resentment in the player. The player will need to stand on his own feet at some point. That, to me, is a crucial part of a young player's development.

5.) 28 Jul 2026
28 Jul 2026 10:33:25
You can't blame his parents for being protective over him at this stage though, the lad is 15 and people are saying he's a generational talent. He needs his feet keeping firmly on the ground.

6.) 28 Jul 2026
28 Jul 2026 10:48:59
Exactly, the lad is 15. You try telling a 15 year old to do something, and they will do the opposite to prove a point. Keeping his feet on the ground is just as much United's job as the parents'. He seems mature for his age, which is a good thing. But is that due to the conditioning from his parents, or is he generally a good human being.

End of the day, he is a 15 year old lad. He needs to be allowed to be a 15 year old lad and make his own mistakes, and learn and grow from them.

That is part of life that people need to experience. We have a bad habit of overprotecting people, for better or worse.

Not to have his parents tell him how to do everything. I think the age of 13-18 is the most important part of a kid's life. In those 5 years, it tells what life that kid's gonna have as an adult.

7.) 28 Jul 2026
28 Jul 2026 17:44:27
Bear in mind the name change, kid Messi videos etc. His parents are guiding him. Very hands-on.

It's good he has them in his corner.
It will be hard for United to meet every expectation, but they're doing everything they can.

I wouldn't judge his parents harshly. They have invested everything into the lad to give him one hell of an opportunity.

8.) 28 Jul 2026
28 Jul 2026 21:04:05
If you were the parent of such a young boy, would you not be protective, knowing how clubs tend to look after their own interests first and foremost?

9.) 29 Jul 2026
29 Jul 2026 07:19:26
As a parent, that child is everything to you, and I'm sure they will try to guide everything and be very protective, as he is their son and only 15.

He looks a fantastic young talent, and I am very excited to see where he goes.

10.) 29 Jul 2026
29 Jul 2026 07:19:47
Great post, by the way, Utd Road. Keep those coming!

11.) 29 Jul 2026
29 Jul 2026 17:24:13
Nice one, mate. ?

12.) 30 Jul 2026
30 Jul 2026 10:12:07
I would be very surprised if JJ Gabriel doesn't go on to become a top player, how high he goes though will be down to his mentality, the ability of those around him to keep him grounded, and a little luck.

Having the ability to play in the EPL and being physically ready for the demands of playing in what is probably the most physically demanding league in Europe if not the world is another thing entirely.

His body is still growing, and that makes him more susceptible to injuries, which can both derail his development, as well as potentially risking his long term fitness. Lots of players who started playing regularly at a younger than average age (in top flight mens football) end up having injury issues from their mid-twenties onwards.

If you look at our squad we have Shaw and MdL who were both regulars at 17 years old, both struggling with fitness. Michael Owen and Rooney are others who started picking up injuries and saw a drop off in performances in their late 20's. Jack Wilshere was another, as was Francis Jeffers, Jack Rodwell and James Rodriguez.

JJ will need protection and guidance to ensure that his development is optimal to allow him to gain experience, grow as a player, and protect his body as it develops. As well as being shielded from the risks of fame and fortune while he's too immature to handle it. He will need a good group of people around him, family are great, but young lads have a tendency to rebel against their families during their teens and early 20's. That is a time where they tend to value the opinions of their friends more than that of their parents and older more experienced adults (especially those in positions of authority). Sir Alex was very good as pairing young players up with a first team player to act as a mentor, to be a confidant, a role model. He would make sure they shared hotel rooms on trips, have lockers next to eachother etc. Hopefully there is someone Carrick can pair JJ with who can be that mentor and role model in the first team. Someone to be a voice of reason when the risk of fame and fortune threatens to pull him off the path.

I expect he'll get some minutes during pre-season, and maybe even some in the first team this season (most likely in the cups, or maybe a few sub appearances towards the end of the season in the EPL). When he does get games expect the media hype to be crazy with hyperbole, which for a lad who hasn't even sat his GCSE's will be difficult to deal with.

13.) 30 Jul 2026
30 Jul 2026 20:11:55
Ta Angel, I won't see them for a few weeks, but will ask about the new scholars.

Shappy, injury prevention, burnout, and physicality of men's football are things I'm told the club are trying to manage, but he wants the opportunity, knowing the risks.

I don't want to say too much on who told me, they're not a big shot. But he pretty much raised all your concerns fwiw.