Manchester United fought Manchester City for JJ Gabriel during the summer transfer window, with their director of football, Jason Wilcox, said to have played a part in convincing the teenager to stay
JJ Gabriel during a Manchester United match
JJ Gabriel reportedly could have moved to Manchester City last summer
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Manchester United reportedly feared losing JJ Gabriel to Manchester City after their rivals tried to sign the teenager. Gabriel could have de-registered at the end of last season by effectively serving notice to leave, taking advantage of a rule for under-14s that would have permitted him to move freely across Manchester.
Gabriel, who turned 15 in October, has starred for United's under-18s since staying. The forward has scored 25 goals across 28 games.
Those strikes have fired United to the FA Youth Cup semi-final. If they beat Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Friday night, City await in the final.
The Telegraph, though, reports that Gabriel could have been playing for United's rivals this season after their serious attempts to sign the teenager. They claimed the club feared losing their starlet at one stage before convincing the forward to stick around.
Director of football Jason Wilcox is said to have played a part in Gabriel staying put. However, clubs reportedly continue to follow the player's progress, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
European clubs could sign the teenager when he turns 16, as Gabriel holds an Irish passport. Therefore, he does not have to wait until 18 to play in the European Union.
Gabriel, however, has to wait until next season before being able to play for the first team. Michael Carrick recently explained: "He is not allowed [to be part of a first-team squad on a matchday], he’s too young.
JJ Gabriel during a Manchester United match
JJ Gabriel continues to star for Manchester United's under-18s
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"He's doing really well, JJ. We've got some really good young players in the academy, and we try to get the younger players up [training with the first-team] as much as we can.
"We're always trying to give that exposure to the players to come and train and feel it. JJ is a big talent; it's pretty obvious to know that, and he's had a really good season for the under-18s.
"We obviously think an awful lot of him. But patience is important in managing everything that comes with that.
"And working with him in development, as we do with all the different age groups and younger players, and picking the right moment to step up, picking the moment to leave them in a certain place and ups and downs. When he's trained, he's done well, as you'd expect, and it's good to have the younger players come up with us."
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