JJ Gabriel is top of the Premier League Under-18 scoring charts. He has hit 10 goals in his past nine games and in a United side challenging on several fronts under coach Darren Fletcher, Gabriel is a stand-out performer.
Ruben Amorim was the first to call him into the senior training squad, even if his response to Gabriel's presence was lukewarm.
Michael Carrick was also asked about the youngster this week.
Fletcher is probably the best judge, though, given he has worked with him all season, deciding initially to pick him in a false nine position to give him more space.
"I couldn't speak highly enough of JJ," said Fletcher, when asked for his verdict in January.
"He's got an amazing family and amazing support around him.
"He's somebody we're delighted to have at the club.
"There's a lot of noise around him and deservedly so because he's a real talented kid," added Fletcher.
Wayne Rooney was at Old Trafford on Wednesday, along with Carrick, as his son Kai was an unused substitute in the in the 3-2 FA Youth Cup win over Sunderland.
Rooney made his senior debut for Everton at 16 and became England's youngest player when he made his debut against Australia in 2003 aged 17 years and 111 days.
Currently, United's youngest-ever player is David Gaskell, a goalkeeper who made his debut when he was 16 years and 19 days old. Legendary England international Duncan Edwards (16 years, six months, four days) is third on the list behind Jeff Whitefoot (16 years, three months, 15 days). Angel Gomes is the youngest to play for United in the Premier League era (16 years, eight months, 20 days).
"He (Gabriel) has a bright future ahead of him and I'm super-excited by his talent. But the most important thing is that he keeps developing, because he still has lots to learn," said Fletcher.
For now, Gabriel will carry on doing his thing with the Under-18s. There is plenty for him – and his team-mates – to achieve.
But it won't be long before his chance at senior level comes and that is something many are looking forward to.
