Rio Ferdinand has told Manchester United not to be "bullied" by JJ Gabriel after the 15-year-old asked to be released by the club. The former United defender has urged his old club to remain firm over the teenager's future, warning that giving in would set a dangerous precedent.
Gabriel's frustration at lack of opportunities
Gabriel is yet to make his first-team debut for United and has grown frustrated by the lack of opportunities, despite his age. He is not happy to just be starring for United's under-21s, and his family believe his development would be better served elsewhere.
The teenager has been courted by Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, while United's Premier League rivals are also interested if his exit can be arranged.
Ferdinand's warning over precedent
Ferdinand visited United's squad during their pre-season in Ireland and was hugely impressed by Gabriel's ability. But he has urged his old club not to bend over backwards.
"I just feel that Man United can't be seen to be bullied by a young kid who is 15 years old, no matter how good he is," Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
"So whatever the outcome is, Man United have to remain strong in this until the end because whatever the decision or whatever way this plays out, there will be kids coming after this who will be using it as a reference point and you can't be seen to be weak in this situation as a football club."
Ferdinand added: "But I'm not going to sit here and hammer on the kid or pick apart what's going on because I don't have the facts around how they've got to this situation, this end point, that JJ Gabriel and his family are demanding to leave."
Parent's perspective and talent praise
Two of Ferdinand's children, Lorenz and Tate, are pursuing professional careers in the Brighton academy, and he was asked if he sympathised with Gabriel's family.
"As a parent I'm the same," he admitted. "I want to know what you think of my son and how you see him and how long it will take. But I know that nothing is guaranteed in this game because there are too many things that can alter your path, be it injuries, form, timing and confidence etc."
Gabriel turns 16 on October 6 and can then be legally represented by an agent. But currently, he would only be allowed to find a new club at the end of the season, unless United agree to deregister him.
Despite the messy situation, Ferdinand's admiration for the teenager is clear. "What a talent this kid is," he said. "It's crazy. I don't know where this kid's ceiling is. I've seen him play, I've seen him train, I've listened to people who have coached him for a number of years and there's no doubt this kid is going to the top."
