Manchester City v Manchester United - FA Youth Cup Final
JJ Gabriel wants out of Manchester United (Image: Getty)
During what was an already dramatic week for Manchester United, the Red Devils were forced to deal with news that JJ Gabriel wants out. The 15-year-old is regarded as one of the best prodigies in European football, and has been making waves with the club’s youth teams.
Just last week Gabriel netted a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut, and there was an expectation that the teenager would make his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup. However, before that game, it was reported that Gabriel hadn’t been training with United, and it has since emerged that a move to Spain is likely.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are courting the prospect, but where do the general public think he would be best off next? On a poll ran by Express Sport, over half of more than 1,100 voters agreed that a move to one of the La Liga giants would be best.
However, it was the record European champions who edged the vote, with 28 per cent voting in favour of Gabriel joining Real Madrid. Meanwhile, another 24 per cent said that Barcelona should be the number one destination for the promising winger.
Included in the options for the vote were Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, but the next biggest vote share was for the other section. A hefty 21 per cent think he ought to go to a different club, and one not named as an option.
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Manchester United U21 v Ipswich Town U21: Premier League 2
JJ Gabriel is being courted by Real Madrid and Barcelona (Image: Getty)
As far as the English clubs were concerned, Arsenal commanded the biggest share of the vote, with 11 per cent. Whereas City received nine per cent, and Liverpool seven. That all looks to be immaterial though, given a move to Spain appears to be the most likely outcome.
United boss Michael Carrick was once again asked about the talent ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action, with the coach saying: "I’ll just repeat what I said [earlier this week]: he’s a young boy, it’s important we don’t put anything out here, the exposure and scrutiny we have to be careful.
On the pitch, United are looking to wrestle back some momentum following a miserable week of back-to-back defeats. After losing at home to 10-man City, the 20-time English champions threw away a two-goal lead against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Carrick’s men will be looking to put that right in their final match before the international break away to Fulham.