Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim taking special interest in starlet who is son of ex-Ireland ace

Ruben Amorim is carefully tracking Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel, the 14-year-old son of ex-Ireland international Joe O'Cearuill. Gabriel drew attention back in April when he set a new record as the youngest footballer to feature for United's U18s - an extraordinary milestone that highlights how highly he is rated by the club.

His swift climb through United's youth setup has sparked speculation that a first-team chance might not be far away if he maintains his current trajectory. According to the Daily Mail, Amorim has taken a strong personal interest in the forward's rise, asking his staff for frequent reports on his progress. The Portuguese boss has also reviewed video of Gabriel during United's summer pre-season tour of the United States.

The youngster was seen in the directors' box at Old Trafford during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal, where he and his family were said to be speaking with recruitment chief Christopher Vivell and several coaches.

Training clips of Gabriel have circulated widely online, with enthusiastic supporters calling him "Kid Messi." He reinforced that buzz in United's opening U18 league fixture against Everton, earning the match-winning penalty in a 1-0 triumph.

JJ is eligible to represent England, Ireland, Cyprus, and Trinidad and Tobago. Though born and raised in Britain, his international options come through his Irish father, Cypriot mother, and Trinidadian grandfather.

O'Cearuill launched his playing career at Arsenal but never appeared for their senior side. Most of his playing days were spent in the lower divisions, turning out for teams including Barnet, Forest Green Rovers and Haringey Borough, as well as playing in Ireland's top flight with St Patrick's Athletic.

Like his son, O'Cearuill was born and raised in England, but qualified for Ireland through to his Irish mother. He earned two caps in 2007, against Ecuador and Bolivia, but failed to secure a permanent role in the squad and wasn't called up again.

JJ, meanwhile, will aim to carve out a more significant international legacy. This, however, will likely be with England rather than Ireland, with Gabriel making his debut for England's U15s in March. While he still has the option to switch allegiance, there's no real indication he intends to.

A number of leading clubs across Europe are believed to be keeping tabs on Gabriel, but Manchester United remain intent on securing his future at the club. They tied him down to a two-year deal in June and may push for an extension should his progress continue to impress Amorim.