Ruben Amorim tells Manchester United prospect to follow Cristiano Ronaldo example in meeting to convince him to stay at Old Trafford: Reports

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly informed academy prospect JJ Gabriel to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. The teenage sensation is regarded as one of the brightest prospects on the books of the Red Devils, and is turning heads across England.

A report from Manchester Evening News (via The Sun) has revealed that Amorim has been introduced to 15-year-old Gabriel, and has advised the youngster to look up to Cristiano Ronaldo as an example. He informed the youngster of his philosophy, and advised the teenager to continue to work hard, citing Ronaldo's work ethic.

JJ Gabriel was teammates with Cristiano Jr in his time with the Red Devils academy before he left with his father in January 2023. The teenager has risen through the ranks at the club to become a regular at the U-18 level this season. He has trained with Amorim's side and could debut with the first team in the FA Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion in January.

Gabriel recently made headlines with a hat-trick in a 7-0 win over Liverpool for the Manchester United U-18 side in November. The youngster also became the club's youngest-ever goalscorer in the FA Youth Cup when he scored the winner against Peterborough earlier this month.

Cristiano Ronaldo earned his stripes in the youth setup of Sporting Club before moving to Manchester United as a teenager in 2003. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner crossed paths with United boss Ruben Amorim while playing for the Portuguese national team, hence his knowledge of his habits and work ethic.

When Cristiano Ronaldo delivered verdict on Amorim's Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo shared his thoughts on Ruben Amorim's Manchester United reign earlier this year after his former teammate's struggles at the club. The former Sporting Club coach was appointed as Red Devils boss in November 2024, replacing Erik ten Hag as permanent boss of the club.

Ronaldo spoke with Piers Morgan in a tell-all interview that aired on their respective YouTube channels, revealing that he does not expect his ex-teammate to perform magic. He threw his weight behind the former midfielder, stating that he is doing his best at his job.

"He's doing his best. What are you going to do? Miracles? Miracles is impossible. We say in Portugal, 'miracles is only in Fatima', and he's not going to do miracles", he said (via BBC).

The Al-Nassr superstar was on the books of the Red Devils for two spells between 2003 and 2009, and 2021 and 2023. He left the club midway through the 2022-23 season after a falling-out with the manager and hierarchy.