ANGEL GABRIEL

JJ is only 14, but nicknamed 'Kid Messi, hailed by Ronaldo... and he's already got a United squad number to fend off Barca, Madrid and Bayern

- RYAN TAYLOR

THERE has not been much to shout about at Manchester United to date this summer.

But tying down 14-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel widely considered among the best talents of his generation suggests there are still strong reasons to be excited about the future.

The mercurial teenage who has been sensation called 'Kid Messi' - is rated so highly within the club that Cristiano Ronaldo (right) took a shine to him during his second spell at Old Trafford.

Gabriel caught the eye of the United legend and fivetime Ballon d'Or winner when he featured in the same Red Devils youth side as Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, with whom he formed a close friendship.

Director of football Jason Wilcox and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves have struck gold with Gabriel.