Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has been urged to appreciate his opportunity at Old Trafford.
The future of JJ Gabriel has become a hot topic at Manchester United this week after his representatives signalled his intention to leave.
The 15-year-old sensation has been subsequently linked with moves to Real Madrid and Barcelona. He missed his opportunity to potentially make his debut at Manchester United in midweek, where he would have become the youngest player in the club’s history.
Former United youth prospect Devonte Redmond says that Gabriel’s representatives are not showing enough patience or appreciating the opportunity he has at Manchester United.
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JJ Gabriel situation not over
Talks are continuing at Manchester United to try and resolve the JJ Gabriel situation. He did play for the club in pre-season and was making progress towards the first team.
Speaking to More Than A Match, Devonte Redmond urged Gabriel to play the long game and wait for his opportunity at Manchester United.
Redmond said: “He’s 15. He’s got another 20 years left in the game. He’s just got to bide his time. I feel like his dad should know that. It’s just going to whip up a storm, it’s no good for anybody in the end.
“It doesn’t matter if he ends up at Barcelona or Madrid, he’s got a platform there [at United]. I’m pretty sure he was meant to be in the squad [vs Brighton]. And as a 15 year-old being in the United squad, we are forgetting what a big thing that is.
“He’s in the right place, got the right coaches around him. I’d just take a little step back. Don’t forget this is Man Utd. Even if it took if two more years to break through, he’s 17.”
The worry is that the Gabriel situation is already too far gone to turn around, despite United’s efforts.
Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign him, but Gabriel could face an even tougher battle to break into their first team. Their initial plan is for Gabriel to play with their B squad, Real Madrid Castilla.