Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has been told he is not yet ready for Premier League football, with former United defender Phil Bardsley comparing his situation to Wayne Rooney's breakthrough at a similar age. The warning comes as Gabriel's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain following developments in September.
Bardsley's caution on Gabriel
Speaking to talkSPORT, Bardsley said: "From the outside, physically I don't think he's ready to be thrown in at the level yet. I think from years gone by, you look at players who have physically developed. You have Rooney, for instance, who was ready to go and play at that age."
Bardsley acknowledged Gabriel's talent but stressed the importance of patience: "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."
He added: "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."
The caution arrives amid suggestions that limited first-team chances are fuelling Gabriel's wish to depart United.
Kofane situation puts United on notice
Manchester United and Premier League rivals Arsenal have been handed a boost amid reports that Christian Kofane has stalled contract talks. The Bayer Leverkusen starlet was linked with a Premier League move during the summer transfer window, though no deal materialised, despite sustained interest from both clubs.
According to SportBild, United and Arsenal have been monitoring the situation for some time. Leverkusen are keen to offer Kofane enhanced terms alongside an extended deal until 2031, but no agreement has been reached and the current proposals appear to fall short of the Cameroonian's demands.
The Bundesliga side seem willing to offer the 20-year-old a significant pay rise on the contract agreed when Erik ten Hag brought him to Germany. Nevertheless, while he remains tied to that deal - which expires in 2029 - United and Arsenal may believe an opportunity exists to pounce.
