Man Utd’s key JJ Gabriel talks after Man City ‘tried exploiting rule’ | Football | Sport

Manchester United reportedly feared losing JJ Gabriel to Manchester City after their rivals attempted to recruit the teenager. Gabriel could have de-registered at the end of last season by effectively serving notice to leave, taking advantage of a rule for under-14s that would have permitted him to move freely across Manchester.

The Telegraph, however, reports that Gabriel could have been turning out for United’s rivals this season following their determined efforts to sign the teenager. They claimed the club feared losing their prized youngster at one point before persuading the forward to remain at the club.

Director of football Jason Wilcox is said to have played a pivotal role in Gabriel’s decision to stay. Nevertheless, clubs are reportedly continuing to monitor the player’s development, amongst them Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

European clubs could sign the teenager when he turns 16, as Gabriel holds an Irish passport. Therefore, he does not have to wait until 18 to play in the European Union.

Gabriel, however, must wait until next season before being eligible to feature for the first team. Michael Carrick recently stated: “He is not allowed [to be part of a first-team squad on a matchday], he’s too young.

“He’s doing really well, JJ. We’ve got some really good young players in the academy, and we try to get the younger players up [training with the first-team] as much as we can.

“We’re always trying to give that exposure to the players to come and train and feel it.

“JJ is a big talent; it’s pretty obvious to know that, and he’s had a really good season for the under-18s.

“We obviously think an awful lot of him. But patience is important in managing everything that comes with that.

“And working with him in development, as we do with all the different age groups and younger players, and picking the right moment to step up, picking the moment to leave them in a certain place and ups and downs.

“When he’s trained, he’s done well, as you’d expect, and it’s good to have the younger players come up with us.”