Rooney: Man United face blow if teenage sensation JJ Gabriel leaves

n n

JJ Gabriel

n

By Adegboyega Adeleye

n

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has said it would be “disappointing” if the club lose teenage sensation JJ Gabriel, describing the 15-year-old as a “special talent”.

n

Gabriel has asked to leave United, with Barcelona and Real Madrid among the clubs monitoring his situation, according to ESPN.

n

Speaking on Stick To Football on Disney+, Rooney said United had done everything possible to convince the youngster to remain at Old Trafford.

n

“In fairness to Manchester United, they have done everything, absolutely everything, to keep him at the club,” Rooney said.

n

“The club have treated him probably differently to the other players because he is such a special player.

n

“It’s disappointing because he is such a top player and a lovely kid. You never know whether it’s gone too far or whether there is a chance for him to stay.”

n

Rooney, who has watched Gabriel develop alongside his son Kai in United’s youth setup, believes the teenager could have made his first-team debut this season.

n

“He is a top player. His ability, his balance, he has shown he can go up the ages and score goals,” he said.

n

“But he’s such a special talent who understands the game really well. At some point this season he would [have] made his debut for the first team, I’d imagine, so that’s where it’s disappointing.”

n

Gabriel, who turns 16 next month, recently marked his UEFA Youth League debut with a hat-trick against Sabah.

n n