Premier League U18 Overview

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.

Manchester United's hopes of keeping teenage sensation JJ Gabriel, nicknamed 'Kid Messi', have been given a massive boost as Arsenal's supposed interest in the player has been labelled as "premature". The 15-year-old, widely tipped as one of the most gifted players to emerge from United's academy since Marcus Rashford, has agreed to commit his immediate future to Old Trafford after a tense behind-closed-doors meeting with United chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada.

Manchester United are believed to be closing in on the signing of 16-year-old Derby County goalkeeper Charlie Hardy, even after bringing in Senne Lammens this summer. With Andre Onana out on loan and long-serving Tom Heaton nearing the end of his contract, the Red Devils are planning a major shake-up between the sticks as they look toward the future.

Kai Rooney has suffered a devastating setback after sharing images of himself on crutches and in a medical boot, with the Manchester United youngster admitting on social media that 'life can’t get worse'. The 15-year-old, son of Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney, has impressed at academy level but now faces a spell on the sidelines after his injury blow.