JJ Gabriel playing for Man United U21s
JJ Gabriel could end up leaving Manchester United without making a single senior appearance(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Former Premier League star Gabby Agbonlahor believes JJ Gabriel would be a huge loss for Manchester United and is confused by the youngster's desire to move away from Old Trafford. Gabriel looked to be on the cusp of a first team debut only for his future to be thrown up in the air after it emerged he asked to leave.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have both been linked with a swoop for the 15-year-old - who would be able to move after he turns 16 in October - and Agbonlahor understand why he might want to join the latter. The forward holds an EU passport and there is a chance United would only receive a limited amount of compensation if he moves to mainland Europe.
United remain hopeful of salvaging the situation, though Gabriel was left out of the squad to face Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Had he featured in the match, he would have become the youngest ever player to turn out for their first team.
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"I think it's a shame because you hear reports that maybe the player is looking to move," Agbonlahor said on In the Mixer. "Is that coming from parents or agents? I just don't know why a 15-year-old kid would leave Manchester United.
"Unless you're going to Real Madrid. Then I get it. It will be interesting where he does go if he does leave, because United wanted to have him involved [against Brighton].
"He might have got minutes, he might have been the youngest ever Manchester United player to make an appearance. So you see all that and the club love him, what are the reasons why he'd want to leave Manchester United?"
Agbonlahor struggled to see why a player with Gabriel's quality - coupled with his high standing among the Old Trafford higher-ups - would want to play anywhere else. "I get players leaving other Premier League clubs to go to Manchester United at that age because that's what happens in youth team football but something doesn't add up," he said.
"Maybe in time we'll find out the real reasons why the player is looking to go but it's a big loss. Because I've seen him play. I've seen clips and he's very sharp, can score all sorts of goals, from distance as well."
United boss Michael Carrick was asked about Gabriel after the midweek defeat to Brighton but reminded people of the player's age. "I just think we've got to be really careful of the whole situation, you know," Carrick said.
"He's a young boy, he's 15, and for me, definitely, and from a club point of view, is looking after our younger players, their welfare, their well-being, their exposure, and I think we've got to be really, all of us, I think we've got to be really conscious of that, really, in this situation."
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