JJ Gabriel’s request to leave Manchester United came as a shock, but now his reasoning has been shared.
On the eve of JJ Gabriel’s planned first-team debut at Manchester United, news broke that the 15-year-old talent has requested to leave the club.
While United insist Gabriel could stay, it seems increasingly likely that Barcelona’s interest will translate into a move.
The Daily Mail report that Gabriel’s decision stemmed from years of United’s transfer failure. There are three missed deals in United’s history that perhaps could’ve changed this outcome.
Three missed Man Utd deals that may have kept JJ Gabriel
If Gabriel’s decision to leave truly is because of United’s poor transfer record, then those inside Old Trafford must be kicking themselves at missing out on top targets.
United came close to signing three world-class players who maybe would’ve changed the timeline.
Erling Haaland
It is well documented that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told United to sign Erling Haaland after managing him at Molde.
Solskjaer told the club about Haaland way back in 2018, and now the Norwegian striker plays for United’s biggest rivals and is a world-class forward.
If Gabriel could look forward to playing alongside Haaland in United’s front line, would he still have wanted to leave?
Jude Bellingham
In 2020, United tried to convince Jude Bellingham to sign for the club from Birmingham City.
Frustratingly, it was Borussia Dortmund who won the race for Bellingham’s signature. Since then, he made a £105m move to Real Madrid and has become one of the best midfielders in world football.
Perhaps United wouldn’t have needed such an aggressive midfield rebuild this summer if Bellingham was partnered with Kobbie Mainoo.
Julian Alvarez
Finally, United will have plenty of regret at ignoring Ralf Rangnick’s suggestion to sign Julian Alvarez.
United snubbed Alvarez and he instead joined Manchester City in a £14m deal. According to reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid now value him at £128m amid interest from Barcelona.
Gabriel may only be 15 years old, but he has watched United miss chance after chance to bring in players who are now world-class talents.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/NikaEe9