In a recent episode of The Overlap podcast, former Manchester United captain Roy Keen offered his thoughts on JJ Gabriel's wish to depart from the club. The 15-year-old, who has earned the nickname 'Little Messi', is reportedly dissatisfied with his limited chances in the first team under Michael Carrick.
Keen suggested that the youngster should exercise some patience, referencing the case of Kobbie Mainoo as a more appropriate example to follow.
You’re only 15 and you’re talking about playing for the first team at Manchester United... just wait another six weeks! Carrick is under pressure, and while in Sir Alex Ferguson's day we sometimes threw young lads into the mix, right now United need results. I don’t think the club can afford to say, 'We can throw in a couple of youngsters and lose a cup match.' They will be saying, 'We need to pick up a few wins and get some momentum this season, and if some 15-year-old boy is spitting out his dummy, we’ll deal with that later.'
Keen admitted he struggles to comprehend such demands from someone so young.
I can’t get my head around the fact that he’s only 15. I’d understand this from an 18-, 19-, or even 20-year-old. We’ve spoken about Mainoo needing to bide his time and learn his trade from the bench. Now Mainoo has received his chance and taken it. Be ready. But when you’re 15 and lacking patience...
Gary Neville also weighed in on the situation, laying part of the blame for the inflated controversy at the feet of Gabriel’s representatives and family, who he believes leaked the information to the media.
Gabriel’s representatives definitely leaked this. They’ve taken it to extremes. It concerns me. Who among them believes this is good for the child? From a caring perspective for a 15-year-old lad, he has become the front-page topic in every newspaper across the country this morning. How is that caring for the child?
Reports indicate that Real Madrid is currently the frontrunner to secure Gabriel’s signature, with Barcelona and Chelsea also in discussions.
