JJ Gabriel is heeding Cristiano Ronaldo's words at Man United - and it speaks volumes

Manchester United star JJ Gabriel has opted to follow Cristiano Ronaldo's words of advice and the results are telling

Carrying the burden of being Manchester United's next superstar is no doubt a heavy crown to wear. But JJ Gabriel, United's frighteningly talented 15-year-old starlet, appears to be taking it all in his stride.

One of the reasons Gabriel looks to be dealing with the pressures of being a future superstar at Old Trafford is his ability to heed advice. Most notably that of United icon Cristiano Ronaldo.

The wonderkid, who doesn't turn 16 until October, will be eligible to play Premier League football this season. Under United boss Michael Carrick, he has taken part in regular first-team training sessions and made his first-team debut against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on August 1 with eight minutes of the pre-season tie remaining.

Gabriel recently posted a montage of Ronaldo on his Instagram. Over footage of the Portuguese bamboozling defenders and scoring freely, the Al-Nassr star says: “For me the most important thing is the mentality. Self talk positive. I think it’s all the details [sic] depend of you.

"We have to have the right mentality. In my mind I’m always the best. I don’t care what the people thinking, what they say. In my mind, not just this year but always, I’m always the best.”

Gabriel's is clearly listening and it's paying dividends. He is also perhaps careful not to fall foul of his idol after Ronaldo expressed his displeasure with the attitude and application of some United youngsters in November 2022.

Talking to Piers Morgan as his second stint at United was coming to a head, he said: “All leagues in the world, the youngest now, they are not the same as my generation. But we cannot blame them because it's part of the life, you know. The new generation and the new technologies that avoid, they distract them for another thing.

“But they are not the same that they listen. This is why we have two ears, as you listen from one side and they go away from another side. So it doesn't surprise me. But in the same way it's a little bit shame because if they have the best examples in front of your eyes, and if they don't at least copy what you did, for me, it's kind of weird.

“I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, I'm always looked to see the best players when [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy, [Rio] Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and [Ryan] Giggs - this is why I have the success that I have and longevity. Because I take care of my body, my mentality, my head, because I see these guys and I learn from them.”

Gabriel is bucking that trend. His Instagram post of Ronaldo shows he is eager to learn from those who came before him and from those who brought glory to Old Trafford.

The youngster's father, Joe O'Cearuill, has shared several videos on social media showing the teenager doing strength and speed work at the gym, emulating Ronaldo's famous dedication. Gabriel has also been a big hit with players and staff alike.

It's understood that those around Carrington have been struck by his politeness and hard-work. United forward Bryan Mbeumo said: "You can feel that the little guy has something special."

Upon scooping the Premier League under-18 player of the year award in May after netting 26 goals for the youth side, Gabriel, in his first interview with MUTV, alluded to his modesty. "I'd say [the Academy] helped me mature a lot. They help me to be very humble and keep my feet on the ground."

Despite his rapid upwards trajectory, Gabriel was left out of the squad for United's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain last weekend. Carrick opted to tighten his first-team group following the return of several of United's big guns, such as Matheus Cunha and Kobbie Mainoo from World Cup duty, at the expense of the teen.

However, Carrick is well aware of the gem he has on his hands. "He's doing really well, JJ. We're always trying to give that exposure to players, for them to come and train and feel it," the United manager said during pre-season.

"JJ is a big talent. It's pretty obvious to know that and he's had a really good season for the under-18s. We obviously think an awful lot of him. But patience is important in managing everything that comes with that... What he's done when he's trained he's done well, as you'd expect."

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