Rooney gives 'disappointing' verdict on JJ Gabriel as Man Utd wonderkid chooses next destination

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has claimed that a move to Spain could be on the cards for JJ Gabriel, with the youngster's exit from the club an open secret to those close to the situation. The 15-year-old has told the club that he wishes to leave.

Talks have been held with Barcelona and Real Madrid over a potential move, although United could block the exit, with a tribunal then needed to sort the situation. Gabriel was expected to be part of the squad and potentially make his first-team debut for United in the Carabao Cup clash vs Brighton before the news broke.

Rooney made the breakthrough as a teenager at Everton, with his son, Kai, also now playing in the United academy set-up. The former striker has suggested that a move to Spain could be the most likely option, despite the club doing everything possible to try and convince him to stay.

Speaking on Disney+'s Stick to United, Rooney said: "I think that anyone close to it knew that was coming. In fairness to Manchester United, they've done everything, they've done absolutely everything to keep him, to keep him at the club.

"I think it's been known that there's been a desire to go and play probably in Spain, I think, I might be wrong, but this is what you've heard over the years. The club have treated him probably differently to the other players because he is such a special talent.

"I know, I recognise, I understand that because I was that player at Everton and I was getting that treatment at Everton which was you're getting a bit more, your parents get given stuff, you're getting that special treatment more than the other players are getting. Which as a club you need to do to try and keep your better players.

"It's just disappointing, of course, because he is such a top player and he's a lovely kid. So you never know whether it's gone too far and whether there is a chance to stay.

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"But I think everyone close to it has probably known that that was going to come".

Gabriel ranks among the brightest prospects in the United youth set-up. Despite his tender age of 15, he has netted 29 times and registered four assists across 32 outings for the club's Under-18s side.

He has also bagged two goals and laid on two assists in two matches for the Under-21s.

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Addressing the matter, United manager Michael Carrick is determined to shield the youngster from undue pressure. "He's a young boy, JJ, and I think it's important that we certainly don't play anything out here," he said.