Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick were in the stands at Old Trafford to witness the Under-18s edge past Sunderland in a five-goal thriller. While all eyes were on the stars of tomorrow, one rising talent stole the spotlight to secure a semi-final spot.
Manchester United have a long and storied history of developing world-class talent, but the latest sensation emerging from Carrington is generating a level of excitement rarely seen in recent years. JJ Gabriel, the 15-year-old wonderkid who has already made history at the club, left spectators speechless during an Under-18 Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest with a performance that evoked memories of a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United's Under-18s secured a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory over West Ham in extra-time to reach the Premier League Cup final. Watched by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 16-year-old Kai Rooney mirrored his father's big-game legacy, coming off the bench to seal the win alongside standout talent JJ Gabriel. The young Red Devils now prepare to face Crystal Palace.
Wayne Rooney was in attendance as his son Kai came on as a substitute for Manchester United's Under-18s in the 6-1 thrashing of Derby County at Carrington on Wednesday afternoon. However, the 16-year-old's appearance was overshadowed as another Red Devils wonderkid impressed with two goals in the Under-18 Premier League.
Arsenal and Tottenham fans joined forces to rage at match officials after Newcastle were awarded a controversial late penalty against Spurs in the Premier League on Tuesday. Rodrigo Bentancur was penalised for fouling Dan Burn in the area in the 86th minute, leaving fans furious at the decision. Anthony Gordon converted the spot-kick to make it 2-1, but Cristian Romero rescued a draw for the visitors in stoppage time.
Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel rubbed further salt into Liverpool’s wounds as he celebrated like Alexander Isak after netting a hat-trick in his side’s 7-0 thrashing of the Reds’ Under-18s on Saturday. The highly-rated 15-year-old enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a remarkable performance which helped Darren Fletcher’s youngsters move up to third in the U18 Premier League table.
Columbus Crew, Cruz Azul, Leon, and Inter Miami are the most successful sides in the Leagues Cup, having won one title each.
How many teams are in the Leagues Cup?
As of 2024, there are 45 teams in the Leagues Cup, from both the MLS and the Liga MX. They are divided into 15 groups of three teams each. The inaugural edition in 2019, in contrast, featured just 16 teams.
Who has made the most Leagues Cup appearances ever?
Andre Blake, Jack Elliott, Jacob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, and Mikael Uhre – all of them players of Philadelphia Union – share the record for most appearances in Leagues Cup, making 14 appearances each.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the Leagues Cup?
Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga is the all-time topscorer in Leagues Cup history, scoring 12 goals in 10 games for Los Angeles FC. Lionel Messi is close in second place with 10 goals.
Who is the oldest player ever in the Leagues Cup and how old was he?
Tijuana goalkeeper Jesus Corona is the oldest player to ever feature in a Leagues Cup game. Corona was 43 years and 191 days old when he played against Vancouver Whitecaps in August 2024.
Who is the youngest player ever in the Leagues Cup and how old was he?
Axel Kei is the youngest player to feature in Leagues Cup. Kei was just 14 years and 267 days when he achieved the feat during Real Salt Lake City's 2-1 loss against Atlas Guadalajara in 2022.
Which famous players have played in the Leagues Cup?
Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andre-Pierre Gignac, and Hector Herrera are among the most famous players to have featured in the Leagues Cup.
Which famous managers have managed in the Leagues Cup?
Caleb Porter, Tata Martino, Phil Neville, Martin Demichelis, and Fernando Gago are among the most famous managers in Leagues Cup history.