Wayne Rooney claims Manchester United have been aware for years that academy star JJ Gabriel has had a strong desire to continue his career in Spain.
The 15-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football and has moved quickly through United’s academy system, regularly playing against older age groups. Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly among the clubs interested in securing his services.
Wayne Rooney, who has known Gabriel through his son Kai’s footballing journey, believes the teenager’s possible departure has not come as a surprise to people close to the situation.
“I’ve seen JJ grow up, he’s been in Kai’s team throughout the years growing up and I think anyone close to it knew that was coming,” Rooney said on Stick to United with Wayne Rooney.
The former Manchester United striker also praised the club for its efforts to convince Gabriel to remain at Old Trafford.
“In fairness to Manchester United, they’ve done everything, they’ve done absolutely everything to keep him at the club,” Rooney said.
Rooney explains Gabriel’s desire to leave
Rooney believes there has been a long-standing ambition from Gabriel to play in Spain, although he stressed that his comments were based on what he had heard and his own observations.
“I think it’s been known and there’s been a desire to go and play probably in Spain,” he said. “I think there has been that hunger, that desire to play in Spain if I’m being honest.”
Rooney compared Gabriel’s situation with his own experience as a young player at Everton, explaining how elite academy prospects can receive special treatment because clubs want to retain exceptional talent.
“I was getting that treatment at Everton where you’re getting a bit more, parents get given stuff, you get that special treatment more than the other players are getting,” Rooney said.
Should United continue trying to retain JJ Gabriel
Despite praising Gabriel’s ability, Rooney questioned whether Manchester United should continue trying to retain a player who does not want to remain at the club.
“I think that sends the wrong message to the players at the club who do want to be there,” he said.
Rooney also believes Gabriel could have made his senior debut this season given United’s need for attacking players.
“He’s such a special talent and understands the game really well,” Rooney said. “I think at some point this season he would have made his debut for the first team, so that’s where it’s disappointing.”
However, Rooney stressed that Gabriel is still only 15 and that the decision needs to be handled carefully, particularly given the pressures surrounding young footballers.
“Sometimes you think you’re ready… he’s 15, you’ve got to remember he’s a 15-year-old kid,” he said.
Rooney also backed Michael Carrick’s approach, saying the United manager was right to emphasise protecting Gabriel as a person before considering footballing matters.
“I think Michael Carrick was spot on when he spoke about it after the Brighton game,” Rooney said. “You have to protect the kid first.”
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