Man Utd rising star JJ Gabriel replies after an Arsenal fan says Max Dowman is better
Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel handled a comment from an Arsenal fan in a very mature way, when the fan said Max Dowman was better than him.
Gabriel, just 15 years old, has been part of United’s pre-season games this summer while some key players are away at the World Cup. The young forward has quickly moved up through United’s academy and made his first team debut in their 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, coming on in the 82nd minute.
Last season, he was named U18 Premier League Player of the Season after scoring 23 goals, including two hat-tricks. Because he’s still young, he can’t sign a professional contract with United yet but will be able to once he turns 17, following FA rules.
He couldn’t play in the Premier League last season because players need to be 15 by August 31, and his birthday is in October. On the other hand, Dowman was able to play for Arsenal last season as he was born in December 2009. Dowman made his Premier League debut in March, after turning 16, but he did play in an EFL Cup game when he was 15 years and 302 days old.
In a TikTok video, Gabriel is seen smiling while taking a photo with an Arsenal fan, who jokingly says, “Max Dowman’s better than you, bro.” Gabriel’s expression changes slightly but he still bumps fists with the fan and walks away calmly. Fans from both teams have praised how well Gabriel handled the situation.
Gabriel has probably faced similar comparisons before, especially with social media being so active, and it’s likely he will again. But it’s clear he wants to stay focused on his own journey.
United’s head coach Michael Carrick spoke highly of both Gabriel and fellow young player Jim Thwaites during pre-season. He’s happy to give them chances to show what they can do, saying it’s great to offer opportunities to young players and that the team is in a good place with no injuries at the moment.