Man Utd boss Amorim 'being kept updated' about son of Ireland international

Irish Daily Mirror

6 hours ago

Ruben Amorim is keeping a close eye on Manchester United starlet JJ Gabriel, the 14-year-old son of former Ireland international Joe O'Cearuill.
Gabriel made headlines in April when he became the youngest player ever to appear for United's U18 side - a remarkable achievement that underlines the high regard in which he is held at the club.
His rapid rise through the academy ranks has fuelled talk that a senior breakthrough could be on the horizon if his development continues at the same pace.
According to the Daily Mail, Amorim has shown particular interest in the young forward's progress, requesting regular updates from his staff. It's also understood the Portuguese coach studied footage of Gabriel during United's pre-season tour of the US this summer.
Gabriel was spotted in the director's box at Old Trafford during Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, where he and his family were reportedly in conversation with director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and several members of the coaching staff.
Clips of him in training have previously gone viral, with excited fans dubbing him 'Kid Messi'. He further underlined his potential in United's U18 league opener against Everton, winning the decisive penalty in a 1-0 victory. JJ Gabriel is one of Manchester United's hottest prospects (Image: jjnr10/INSTAGRAM)
JJ is eligible to play for England, Ireland, Cyprus and Trinidad and Tobago. He was born and raised in the UK, but is eligible to play for other countries thanks to his Irish father, Cypriot mother and Trinidadian grandfather.
O'Cearuill began his career at Arsenal but never made a senior appearance for the Gunners. He spent most of his playing days in the lower leagues, featuring for clubs such as Barnet, Forest Green Rovers, and Haringey Borough, and also had a spell in the League of Ireland with St Patrick's Athletic.
Born to a Trinidadian father and an Irish mother, O'Cearuill received an international call-up from then-Ireland boss Steve Staunton in 2007. He played against Ecuador and Bolivia but was unable to secure a regular spot in the squad and was never called up again. Joe O'Cearuill, pictured here playing Brighton against West Ham, earned two caps for Ireland (Image: Getty Images)
JJ will be hoping to leave a more lasting mark at international level. Unfortunately for Irish fans, though, that impact is likely to come in an England shirt. The teenager made his debut for England's U15 side in March, and while he remains eligible to switch allegiance, there is no certainty, or even indication, he will choose to do so.
Several top European clubs are reportedly monitoring Gabriel's development, but Manchester United are doing all they can to keep him at Old Trafford. The club secured him on a two-year deal in June and could look to extend that contract further if he continues to impress Amorim.