Man Utd fighting to keep 15-year-old Gabriel amid Real Madrid interest
Manchester United are still trying to persuade 15-year-old forward Gabriel to remain at the club after he asked to leave Old Trafford, with Wayne Rooney calling a potential exit a major setback.
Quick facts
- Gabriel will turn 16 next month.
- The attacker has submitted a request to leave Manchester United.
- Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring his position.
- He scored a hat-trick against Sabah on his UEFA Youth League debut.
- Rooney believes Gabriel could have reached United’s first team this season.
Rooney has seen the teenager closely through United’s academy, where Gabriel has played alongside his son Kai. The former United and England captain said the forward’s rise had been clear to everyone around the youth set-up.
“I have watched JJ develop and he was in Kai’s side,” Rooney said. “Anyone who was around it could see this was coming. To be fair to Manchester United, they have done absolutely everything possible to keep him there.”
Rooney said United had given Gabriel particular attention because of his exceptional potential, comparing the situation to his own early years at Everton.
“They have probably handled him differently from other players because he is a special talent,” he added. “I understand that because I had similar treatment when I was at Everton. A club has to do that when it is trying to retain its best young players.”
Gabriel underlined his reputation in Europe when he struck three times against Sabah in his first UEFA Youth League appearance. His performances have alerted leading clubs across the continent, with Madrid and Barca among those watching developments.
Rooney sees first-team route
Rooney believes Gabriel has the technical quality and football intelligence to make the step into senior football, although he stressed that first-team level brings a different test.
“He is an outstanding player,” Rooney said. “His ability, his balance, and the way he has moved through the age groups and scored goals are all there. First-team football is another level and you do not know until a player gets that chance.
“But he is a very special talent who understands the game. I would have expected him to make a first-team appearance at some point this season, which is why this is disappointing.”
United have not abandoned hope of resolving the situation before Gabriel’s future is decided. The next move is for the teenager and the club to determine whether an agreement can be reached ahead of his 16th birthday.
If no solution is found, Gabriel is unlikely to lack high-level options abroad. Madrid and Barcelona remain interested as he weighs whether to continue his development in Manchester or seek a new route elsewhere.
