Manchester United talent JJ Gabriel played for the first team in pre-season but has not been given a chance in the Premier League
JJ Gabriel has been warned by Manchester United academy graduate Phil Bardsley that he doesn't look ready for Premier League football just yet. The former defender was speaking after Gabriel shocked club chiefs by expressing a desire to leave Old Trafford amid frustrations over a lack of senior minutes.
The 16-year-old featured in pre-season and his family was keen for him to step up to the senior side in earnest this season. There was hope that he would get at least 20 minutes in the Champions League and Carabao Cup before a first taste of Premier League action on October 25 but things have quickly changed.
It was one of four requests reportedly made by the player's camp. Others included guaranteeing him the squad number 77 and allowing him to have his name displayed on his shirt as 'Gabriel JR'.
United declined to include the forward on their A List for the Champions League so he was unable to feature in the victory over Sabah. Gabriel's desire to leave came to light just before the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, the match in which some expected him to make his competitive debut, and now he could end up leaving with a pre-season cameo against Atletico Madrid representing his only senior appearance.
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"I think from years gone by, you look at players who have physically developed. You have [Wayne] Rooney, for instance, who was ready to go and play at that age.", Bardsley told talkSPORT.
"Look at the boy at the minute, his abilities are obviously there, he's an outstanding talent and hopefully goes on to be a great player. But I think the timing's a bit off, the way things are at the club and the way it came out.
"But I believe it's been orchestrated by agents, parents, and pushing for these things when you're at such a delicate age and you're in a transition into men's football. I think you need to be patient."
United manager Michael Carrick has urged caution when it comes to Gabriel's future and his treatment in the media. The youngster is just a few months younger than the boss' own son Jacey, who signed scholarship terms with United earlier this year.
"I'll just repeat what I said... he's a young boy, it's important we don't put anything out here, the exposure and scrutiny we have to be careful," Carrick said. "We have to be sensible and think about him. The situation will work itself out."
With Gabriel's future continuing to dominate discussions, United are preparing for a return to Premier League action. They have picked up five points from their first five matches but can kick-start their campaign with a win against Tottenham on Saturday.
Niubcekntu
0
That boy must go please..
nasaelmosy
0
Did they how scrawny Lamine Ysmsl was when he made his Barca debut? And he was even younger then JJ Gabriel's age now. If they don't unleash that boy on the world, they're gonna lose him.
he can go..so you want all players to start at the same age as yamal has started
nasaelmosy
0
Did they how scrawny Lamine Ysmsl was when he made his Barca debut? And he was even younger then JJ Gabriel's age now. If they don't unleash that boy on the world, they're gonna lose him.
we can go
adedefender
0
JJ just hold Man Utd for brocus
namekprz
1
how much did they paid English pundits for overhyping this boy ,,
AdrianShion
1
Did they how scrawny Lamine Ysmsl was when he made his Barca debut? And he was even younger then JJ Gabriel's age now. If they don't unleash that boy on the world, they're gonna lose him.
that's la Liga and this is premier league. don't u know the difference?
QueriisFiasi
0
Did they how scrawny Lamine Ysmsl was when he made his Barca debut? And he was even younger then JJ Gabriel's age now. If they don't unleash that boy on the world, they're gonna lose him.