Ruben Amorim Invites Man Utd Wonderkid to First-Team Training for First Time

Ruben Amorim invited a Manchester United wonderkid to join first-team training for the first time ahead of this weekend's clash with Brighton.

The Portuguese head coach secured back-to-back victories for the first time at United on Sunday as they defeated arch-rivals Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield.

They return to action on Saturday at Old Trafford against Brighton & Hove Albion, hoping to build on that victory.

At Thursday's training session, the first team took part in an 11 versus 11 training match, designed to help some of United's fringe players stay up to speed.

Among those brought in for the match was 15-year-old JJ Gabriel.

The youngster is regarded as one of the best talents in United's academy, with some dubbing him the 'next Neymar'.

United faced a battle to keep him last summer, but managed to convince him to stay, in part by showing him a pathway to the first team.

JJ Gabriel is one of United's brightest talents. (Image: Getty)

Both Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada are also understood to have spoken with the player to persuade him to stay in Manchester.

With another window to poach academy players when he turns 16, the club will need to ensure Gabriel remains happy with his development over the next two years.

This season, he has stepped up to play for United's U18 side, where he has excelled, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in six matches.

Although the club may be wary of Gabriel attracting too much attention too young, there is a clear awareness of his extraordinary talent.

The Manchester Evening News reported that some at United believe he could be the best talent that the academy has ever produced.

They also claim that Amorim met with Gabriel last month.

The 15-year-old is being fast-tracked into first-team contention. (Image: Getty)

During the meeting, the head coach discussed his philosophy and the importance of hard work, citing Cristiano Ronaldo as an example.

Gabriel's ability has also drawn commercial interest, with Nike fighting off Adidas to sign with the teenager.

Despite his talent, Gabriel will have to wait until at least next year before making his Premier League debut due to Premier League regulations stating that players can only appear for the first team in the season they turn 16.

Gabriel turned 15 earlier this month, so, for now, Amorim's focus will be on securing a third consecutive win when his side face Brighton.

The Seagulls have been a difficult opponent for United in recent years, winning four of the previous five meetings.

After last year's match at Old Trafford, where Brighton won 3-1, Amorim described his team as 'maybe the worst' in United's history.

Although United have improved this season, largely thanks to the new signings of Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, it promises to be a tough test.