Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has been told he is not yet ready for regular Premier League football after his representatives reportedly expressed frustration over his lack of first-team opportunities.
Former Manchester United academy graduate Phil Bardsley said Gabriel’s ability is clear but suggested the 16-year-old needs more time to adjust to senior football.
Gabriel made a pre-season appearance for the first team but has not featured competitively for the club. His family had hoped he would be given a more substantial role this season, with expectations that he could play at least 20 minutes in the Champions League and Carabao Cup before making his Premier League debut on 25 October.
However, those plans appear to have changed. Gabriel’s camp reportedly made four requests to Manchester United, including assurances over first-team involvement, the squad number 77 and permission for the player to have “Gabriel JR” printed on his shirt.
The club did not include the forward on their A List for the Champions League, ruling him out of the victory over Sabah. His desire to leave Old Trafford emerged shortly before Manchester United’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, when some had expected him to make his competitive debut.
As a result, Gabriel could leave Manchester United having made only one senior appearance, a pre-season cameo against Atletico Madrid.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Bardsley compared Gabriel’s situation with players who had been physically ready to play at the highest level at a similar age.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has also urged caution over how Gabriel’s future is discussed publicly. The teenager is only a few months younger than Carrick’s son Jacey, who signed scholarship terms with the club 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.”
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday against Tottenham. They have taken five points from their opening five matches and will be looking to revive their campaign with victory.
