Manchester United academy graduate Phil Bardsley has told 16-year-old JJ Gabriel that he does not look ready for Premier League football yet. The former defender spoke after Gabriel shocked club chiefs by asking to leave Old Trafford over a lack of senior minutes.
Family requests and Champions League snub
Gabriel featured in pre-season and his family wanted him to step up to the senior side this season. There was hope he would get at least 20 minutes in the Champions League and Carabao Cup before a first taste of Premier League action on October 25, but things have changed.
It was one of four requests reportedly made by the player's camp. Others included guaranteeing him the squad number 77 and allowing his name to appear on his shirt as 'Gabriel JR'. United declined to include the forward on their A List for the Champions League, so he could not feature in the win over Sabah.
Bardsley's warning and Carrick's caution
Gabriel's desire to leave came to light just before the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, a match in which some expected his competitive debut. He could now leave with a pre-season cameo against Atletico Madrid as his only senior appearance.
"I think from years gone by, you look at players who have physically developed. You have [Wayne] Rooney, for instance, who was ready to go and play at that age," Bardsley told talkSPORT. "Look at the boy at the minute, his abilities are obviously there, he's an outstanding talent and hopefully goes on to be a great player. But I think the timing's a bit off, the way things are at the club and the way it came out."
"But I believe it's been orchestrated by agents, parents, and pushing for these things when you're at such a delicate age and you're in a transition into men's football. I think you need to be patient."
United manager Michael Carrick urged caution over Gabriel's future and his treatment in the media. "I'll just repeat what I said... he's a young boy, it's important we don't put anything out here, the exposure and scrutiny we have to be careful," Carrick said. "We have to be sensible and think about him. The situation will work itself out."
United's Premier League return
With Gabriel's future dominating discussions, United are preparing for a return to Premier League action. They have picked up five points from their first five matches but can kick-start their campaign with a win against Tottenham on Saturday.
