JJ Gabriel’s hat-trick propels Manchester United’s Under-19s to big UEFA Youth League victory

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Manchester United’s U19s open their UEFA Youth League campaign on Thursday afternoon when they host Sabah at Leigh Sports Village.

The competition mirrors that of the first team in the Champions League for the first six matches before progressing to the knockout stage.

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The Manchester United U21 coach took charge of a makeshift U19 squad for the tournament.

First half

United took the lead two minutes later when Amir Ibragimov converted Jim Thwaites’ free-kick at the front post.

JJ Gabriel soon looked to add a second chance with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which the keeper tipped over the crossbar.

The visitors mostly found themselves pinned to their own half, but did try to strike on the counter-attack from time to time, with lungs ripped out by Shahin Ibragimov, who ultimately found himself short-handed without support.

Yet in just 16 minutes, Jacob Watson doubled United’s lead when Bendito Mantato’s cross into the area was tapped home by Watson with his weaker right foot.

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In his first start of the season, Godwill Kukonki was forced off in the 20th minute after twisting his ankle and was replaced by Rafe McCormack.

Gabriel completed the scoring in the first half just before the whistle when he grabbed the ball in the penalty area after Junior Brown’s shot was blocked.

Second half

United continued to make runs in the second half and almost extended their lead when Brown broke inside from the left and curled towards the top right corner but was denied by an incredible save.

It wasn’t until late in the half that United found the back of the net again, despite their dominance, with Gabriel evading his marker in the box and sending the ball into the far right corner.

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Jim Thwaites then made a spectacular through ball to take Gabriel behind the Sabah backline to complete his hat-trick and seal the 5-0 win.

The young Red Devils finished the match with 44 shots on target, compared to Sabah who had no effort in Cameron Byrne-Hughes’ goal.

Match facts

United: Byrne-Hughes, Khelafu (Camacho 75), Mills (Ngwashi 75), Kukonki (McCormack 23), J Watson (Ajayi 67), Thwaites, J Fletcher, Mantato, Gabriel, Brown (Orozco 67), Ibragimov (C)

Subs not used: Hardy, Shah, McAvoy, Mpofu.

Goals: Ibragimov 2, J. Watson 16, Gabriel 45, 85, 87