Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley does not believe JJ Gabriel is ready for Premier League football just yet. The Scotland international's comments come amid suggestions a lack of minutes is a factor in the wonderkid's push to leave Old Trafford.
This is the first season in which Gabriel, who turned 16 on Tuesday, is eligible to play in the English top flight. He turned out for United's first team in pre-season but was left out of the Champions League squad and has yet to make a senior competitive appearance.
Move speculation and first-team path
In September, it emerged that the teenager is looking to move on, putting a number of Europe's biggest clubs on red alert. United looked to have mapped out a path for Gabriel to step up to the first team after he trained with the senior squad under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick.
The player's representatives had reportedly earmarked the October 25 game against Bournemouth for a potential league bow but Bardsley told talkSPORT he didn't think Gabriel was physically ready.
Bardsley's warning on timing
"From the outside, physically I don't think he's ready to be thrown in at the level yet," said the full-back, who made his own United debut at the age of 18. "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.
"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."
Carrick urges caution
United boss Carrick has called for care when it comes to treatment of Gabriel. He was quick to remind the football world of the player's age when speaking before the international break.
"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."
On the field, United will return to action this weekend with a home match against Tottenham Hotspur. Carrick's side are going in search of just their second league win of the season, having taken two points from their last three matches in the competition.
