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Bruno Fernandes backs Manchester United’s academy star JJ Gabriel for success
30th August, 2026 03:11 PM
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has spoken about the crucial role senior players play in helping shape the club’s famous academy prospects into future stars.
The Portuguese midfielder was particularly impressed with young academy sensation JJ Gabriel, who joined the first-team squad during pre-season for the 2026/27 campaign, acknowledging that the attacker possesses the quality to become a top player.
However, Fernandes emphasised that the teenager must be shielded from excessive pressure and expectations that could hinder his development or long-term potential:
Huge talent
“He’s a huge talent, but he’s still very young. Obviously, he needs to develop a lot, and I don’t want people to put too much pressure on him because that wouldn’t be good for his growth. He was part of our pre-season and can be a very important part of Manchester United’s future.”
Fernandes also highlighted his own responsibility in guiding younger players, noting that he benefited from similar leadership earlier in his career:
“I try to use my experience to help the young players as much as I can, and JJ is one of those players who has massive quality and huge talent. When you see young players coming into the group with that level of skill and confidence, you just want to guide them, make them feel comfortable, and help them understand what it takes to succeed at Manchester United.”
Academy recognition
The Carrington product was named the inaugural U18 Premier League Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign after a stellar year in which he scored 20 goals. He topped an impressive shortlist that included Mathis Eboué (son of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué), Chizaram Ezenwata, Teddie Lamb, Tyler Tingey, and Albert Mills.
Gabriel was honoured alongside other standout young talents from the English top flight at the season-ending awards, including Arsenal’s Max Dowman and Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s 21-year-old midfielder Nico O’Reilly was crowned the Premier League’s top academy graduate for the 2025/26 season.
