On-fire Gabriel smashes shot into roof of net as he grabs Man Utd double in front of Carrick

Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel hit a fine goal from an almost impossible angle as the U18s cruised to victory over Wolves.

The U18s maintained their winning record so far in 2026 by seeing off Wolves at Carrington. Noah Ajayi was also on target to put United two-up and firmly in control at the interval.

As Wolves improved after the break, Mason Stevens halved the deficit in the 80th minute to make for a nervy finale but Gabriel’s stoppage-time penalty clinched the victory.

It ensures Darren Fletcher’s side continue to keep pace with leaders Manchester City, who won 5-3 at Newcastle United, at the top of the U18 Premier League North table.

As the training ground basked in some welcome wintry sunshine, United - showing seven changes from the midweek Youth Cup win at Oxford - had to be patient to find a way through a resolute Wolves side.

With first-team head coach Michael Carrick, assistant coach Steve Holland and Academy director Stephen Torpey all watching from the sideline, it was another opportunity for the players to catch their eye.

And Gabriel showed another glimpse of his capabilities by opening the scoring in the 24th minute, wriggling away from three Wolves defenders inside the box before rifling in an unstoppable left-footed shot from a tight angle via the underside of the crossbar.

Then it was the turn of Ajayi, who shifted the ball onto his left foot and guided a low finish into the bottom corner with the aid of the post to make it 2-0.

Bassirou Nkoto was felled in the box by Wolves captain Oliver Stafford and Gabriel stepped up to confidently place the penalty into the corner of the net.

The U18s are at home again on Wednesday (25 February) when Derby County are the visitors to Carrington, with kick-off at 1pm.