The academy that produced the Class of '92 appears to have another highly rated talent on its hands.
Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel is officially eligible to play in the Premier League this season, having made his unofficial bow this summer.
The 15-year-old, known as 'Kid Messi' among his peers, played in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid earlier this month.
Officially, the youngster can now play top-flight football, but must abide by three strict rules that have been put in place for his protection.
Why JJ Gabriel Is Eligible to Play in the Premier League at 15
Manchester United coach Michael Carrick showed his recognition for JJ Gabriel's talent by involving him in pre-season training with the first team this summer.
The youngster became the youngest player to ever represent the Red Devils when he replaced Bryan Mbeumo in the game against Atletico Madrid.
Carrick can call on the teenager in the Premier League this season if he wishes to.
League regulations state that a player cannot make their debut in the competition if their 15th birthday comes after September 1 of that season.
Gabriel is set to turn 16 in October, meaning he can play in the Premier League before his 16th birthday.
The 3 Rules Manchester United Must Follow With JJ Gabriel
The Red Devils are free to promote JJ Gabriel as they see fit, but they must follow three mandatory rules when dealing with the youngster this season.
First, the 15-year-old is not permitted to wear their training kit with its sponsor emblazoned on it.
The Red Devils' training kit is primarily sponsored by a betting company, and the Premier League is strict with handling U-18 exposure to betting companies.
For instance, Jeremy Monga had to have special jerseys at Leicester City because the club's front-of-shirt sponsor was a betting company.
Gabriel's training kit must remain free of sponsor branding for as long as the betting company remains the club's training-wear sponsor.
Secondly, JJ Gabriel will not be allowed to use the same changing rooms as the rest of the first-team squad.
Because he is under 18, safeguarding rules mean he cannot use the same changing area as the adult players before or during games.
He would have to have a private changing area and can only enter into the first-team dressing room for team talks and tactical briefings if all of the players are fully dressed.
Lastly, Gabriel will remain on scholarship terms until he can sign a professional contract after he turns 17.
Manchester United will keep the youngster on scholarship terms until October 2027, when he becomes eligible to sign his first professional contract.
Why Manchester United Are Taking a Patient Approach With JJ Gabriel
United are reluctant to expose Gabriel to the public despite the hype that has been around him for years.
They remain committed to shielding the 15-year-old from the pressure that comes with the 'wonderkid' label.
There is a general acceptance that not every youngster turns out to be a Lamine Yamal or Pau Cubarsi, thriving in first-team football at 16, and maintaining the momentum over a number of years.
The majority of young players would be overawed by the prospect and could eventually lose their way.
In a bid to protect Gabriel, the Red Devils are prepared to be patient with him. He may make his professional debut this season, but he is unlikely to become a regular with the team.
