Manchester United’s next big academy prospect scores impudent goal against Barcelona

Callum Gribbin. Remember the name.

He may not be in Jose Mourinho’s first team plans just yet, with Manchester United academy products Marcus Rashford, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Jesse Lingard more prominent in the manager’s immediate thoughts, but Gribbin is certainly making a name for himself within the Old Trafford.

The Salford-born youngster is still only 17 years of age, having been born in 1998 (FFS!), and is already being hailed as the next big thing at the club. He can play in a variety of positions, including central midfield, out-wide and even further forward in a number 10 role a la Wayne Rooney.

“I heard about Gribbs through our scouting network and everyone would say, ‘You have to see this lad, he is similar to this player, or that player. Then I’d go and look at him, then within five minutes, you can see that this boy is something special. 

“Not many kids can deal with him or want to deal with him. He just sends them the wrong way and makes them look foolish. He leaves me breathless.”

– Former coach Kenny Swain

What really sets the player apart from many in his age group is his ability to dribble past opponents and leave them utterly dumbfounded by his twists and turns. Instead of relying purely of pace like many of his peers, Gribbin has wonderful balance, loves a shinny and a feint, and is genuinely two-footed.

All this was apparent as United’s Under-19s beat Barcelona in the Otten Cup in Eindhoven. The final score was 2-1 to the Reds, but the highlight was a quite magnificent solo goal by Gribbin, who beat four defenders and the keeper with a dribble that would make you-know-who proud.

If Gribbin shows as much dedication and focus as the likes of Lingard, Rashford et al, then an exciting future awaits…

Check it out again here:

Callum Gribbin nets in style v Barcelona at the Otten Cup! See more highlights on #MUTVHD tonight at 21:00 BST. https://t.co/zgsb0mbN4g

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 10, 2016

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