Man Utd in talks to sign “Dembele from England”

Two years after winning the FA Cup final where both Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo made the difference, the impact of Manchester United’s academy has been largely muted since then.

There were passing cameos for Chido Obi last season, coupled with first-team performances from the likes of Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher and Shea Lacey this time around, although Old Trafford is still itching for the next star.

Well, the Red Devils may not have to wait long, as 15-year-old star JJ Gabriel, the young Englishman who won the U18 Premier League Player of the Year award this week, will be starting the 2026/27 season.

This came on the heels of a 26-goal haul in just 23 appearances in the competition, as he also led United to the final of the FA Youth Cup, an event that will not earn the money it deserves.

Alas, that is a story for a different day, and for Gabriel, he may also have one eye on United’s transfer business which could block his path to the first team.

Man Utd have opened formal negotiations to sign youngsters

Much of the excitement surrounding Gabriel centers on his prospect of becoming a long-term solution on the left side at first-team level, with neither Matheus Cunha nor Patrick Dorgu being genuine players who come and go via trade.

There has been talk of a return to Manchester for Marcus Rashford, despite the 28-year-old being vocal about his desire to stay at Barcelona, ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Instead of bringing the England international back into the fold, INEOS may look to sign ‘the next Rashford’ instead, amid interest in Leicester City wonderkid, Jeremy Monga.

As reported by TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook, United have opened ‘formal discussions’ with Leicester over a move for the 16-year-old, as they attempt to move ahead in the race for his signature.

According to Crook, there are up to ten clubs who want to sign Monga, in the Premier League and abroad, with teams planning to benefit from the recent misfortunes of the Foxes.

Just ten years after winning the Premier League title, the King Power side have moved into the third tier, ensuring that Monga will be an accessible target for attackers this summer.

Why signing Monga would be bad news for JJ Gabriel

It’s hard not to be impressed with the aforementioned Gabriel, with his 31 appearances for the U18s netting 29 goals, according to Transfermarkt, proving such a risk despite his friendship.

Operating on the left, as a number 10 or as a striker, the winger causes damage wherever he works, with youth team coach Darren Fletcher giving him a “huge future” in the game.

He is flexible, powerful and lethal in front of goal, though again with Monga, the Leicester youngster is also comfortable working on the flanks or in a more advanced role.

Although he won’t turn 17 until July, the in-demand playmaker has already been a regular in the Foxes first team for over a year, making seven Premier League appearances in 2024/25 aged just 15.

Now up to 37 top-flight appearances in total, he finished the last campaign with one goal and two assists in 27 Championship games, despite starting just eight games.

For Monga to be in the first team at such a young age is a testament to him, with the England U19 international surprisingly earning rave reviews, being hailed as “England’s Ousmane Dembele” by Como scout Ben Mattinson.

The comparison to the Ballon d’Or winner is no small thing, as it is easy to see why clubs are lining up to get him out of the King Power Stadium, as he wants to join the exciting line-up of new players in the Premier League, be it Max Dowman or Rio Ngumoha.

Gabriel, who was unable to make his United debut this season under Michael Carrick, will have first-team aspirations in 2026/27, however a direct competition signing in the form of Monga could damage his game-time prospects.

Of course, one can only hope that both young minds will flourish, but INEOS should put their faith in Gabriel instead of blocking his path.