Manchester United are on the verge of losing wonderkid JJ Gabriel in a depressing state of affairs.
There is no doubt that JJ Gabriel is the best young player to come through Manchester United’s academy for several years. The very fact we are discussing the young prodigy at this early stage of his development speaks volumes to his rapid progress already.
To recap, Gabriel scored 26 goals in all competitions for United’s under-18s last season. He is still only 15, and has netted five goals this season at under-21s/UEFA Youth League level.
The latest situation is Gabriel wants to leave Manchester United. Having been on the verge of making his debut in the Carabao Cup, he declined to train, with a view to a move elsewhere. The situation is complicated as he is under contract to United until the end of this summer. His representatives wish to cancel that deal, with United refusing to. There is hope the situation can be repaired but it appears as though the damage has been done.
What now for JJ Gabriel? La Liga or a Premier League rival
JJ Gabriel’s next move is unclear if he succeeds in leaving United. But it feels quite obvious that he has been ‘tapped up’ already. It is a grim situation. It is one that becomes even more difficult to stomach if Gabriel ends up signing for a Premier League competitor.
Chelsea have been linked, while the prospect of him signing for City is utterly intolerable. A move to Barcelona or Real Madrid is far more palatable.
Barcelona have been linked to Gabriel for a couple of years now, while Real Madrid rumours have begun. If either are chosen as the club where his advisors genuinely believe he stands a better chance of progression – then I could understand that.
La Liga is an easier league, less physically taxing, and Gabriel will shine there. His decision to leave is unlikely to backfire. So there is not a lot United could do to dissuade his advisors to stay put at Old Trafford and wait for hs chance.
If Gabriel signs with another Premier League club – that is a different situation entirely.
Blame does not lie with Manchester United
You will see lots of comment about JJ Gabriel leaving Manchester United being a poor reflection on the club. And it is no doubt a disappointing outcome.
It is hard to see what else Manchester United could have done. Gabriel has been training with the first team since he was 14, and he even played in pre-season with the first team. He was on course to become the club’s youngest ever player, breaking a record that had stood since 1950.
If that’s not enough, then what more could United have done? Should Gabriel have been starting for United already this season? His approach is too impatient. Whether he regrets it or not is immaterial.
How would Sir Alex Ferguson have dealt with the advisors of a 15-year-old trying to influence his team selection? I think we all know the answer to that.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/tLwbxJK