Roy Keane has sent a clear piece of advice to JJ Gabriel, as the teenager works to take the step up to the next level at Manchester United. At the same time, three clubs are vying for the signature of the coveted talent.
United were shaken earlier this week when it was confirmed that Gabriel wants to leave the club. Nicknamed “Kid Messi”, he hopes to use his reputation to secure a transfer to another club.
Already after five games, Ruben Amorim is in the same situation as at Manchester United
Fears grew at Old Trafford that the 15-year-old – who has been training with the first team since Ruben Amorim’s time – wanted to leave.
Now, the reigning U18 player of the year has formalized his desire to leave the club. At the same time, a report reveals the two main reasons behind the desire. Now, former United captain Roy Keane is intervening with some very timely advice.
“You’re 15 years old and you’re talking about playing for Manchester United’s first team… Just wait another six weeks!” Keane said in the latest episode of The Overlap.
“Can you wait another six weeks, until we might be done with the cup?” (Editor’s note: The episode was recorded before United went to Brighton.)
“Carrick is under pressure and we go back to Sir Alex Ferguson. Sometimes we threw young boys into the first team, but United need wins.
“I don’t think United are in a position to say, ‘We can write off a cup game tonight and play with a couple of young lads.’ No, they say, ‘We’ve got to win games, we’ve got to create momentum going into the season. And if a 15-year-old throws the pacifier, we’ll deal with it.’
Keane confused about Gabriel – and points to Mainoo
Keane is also confused that a 15-year-old can make such demands on United and Carrick. He encourages the player to look at Kobbie Mainoo as proof that the chance is coming – if only you are patient.
“We talked about Mainoo a few months ago. Mainoo is much older than him, but we said that as a footballer sometimes you have to wait for your time,” he added.
“I can’t believe that they are 15. I would say that to an 18-, 19- or 20-year-old.
“We said about Mainoo that you have to wait for the right moment, sit on the bench, learn the craft – and sometimes even just sit on the bench.
“Now he’s got the chance, and he’s taken it. Be ready. But when they don’t have the patience as a 15-year-old…
Neville chastises his father and his agent
The news of Keane’s advice comes after The Sun claimed that the player’s lack of rapid promotion to the first team is the reason for the dissatisfaction.
In fact, the newspaper claims that Carrick’s choice to use both Shea Lacey and Harry Amass in United’s Champions League win over Sabah last week was “the straw that broke the camel’s back” for Gabriel’s camp.
Gary Neville responds to Keane’s advice by placing the blame squarely on the player’s father and agent. He believes it is irresponsible to place a 15-year-old on the front pages of the entire national press.
“The player’s representatives have definitely leaked this. They’ve decided that they want to go for the nuclear option and say, ‘JJ Gabriel is leaving Manchester United,'” Neville said.
“That’s what worries me. Whose representatives think it’s good for the child? It’s not.
“From a care perspective for a 15-year-old: A 15-year-old boy is this morning’s back-page story in all the country’s newspapers. How do you take care of that boy?
Carrick shows care – but asks one crucial question
The player’s well-being is clearly also a matter close to Carrick’s heart. The United boss showed his human side when he commented on the matter.
“I don’t care if you think he should play or not. To be fair: If you think he should play, great. That’s not a problem. I’m sure a lot of parents and representatives think their child should be allowed to play.
“But why do you want it to leak out to the newspapers?”
Real Madrid leads the game – three clubs are chasing
In light of all this, it was revealed on Thursday evening that Real Madrid are now favourites to secure the signature. Barcelona have also held talks, while Chelsea are leading the race for the player in England.
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