Steven Gerrard fires warning to JJ Gabriel over Manchester United exit

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JJ Gabriel asked to leave Manchester United this week (Getty) Steven Gerrard insists Manchester United is the best place for JJ Gabriel and believes Michael Carrick would play the 15-year-old if he is ready for first-team football. Steven Gerrard has warned JJ Gabriel against a move to Real Madrid (TNT Sports) ‘I don’t know the details and the background in this isolated situation with JJ Gabriel but if you look at it all he’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

They’ve got a history and a tradition of producing fantastic players. ‘There will be top people behind the scenes at Manchester United but the big thing for me is, you’ve got an English coach [Michael Carrick] and an English assistant manager [Steve Holland] who will want to, when the time is right, and when they think he’s ready, protect him… but when they feel he’s ready they will play him. ‘Not just this situation, the game as a whole, these talents, they have parents, they have agents, outside influences that force and rush too soon, and it can affect a kid’s career. And I don’t think it’s going to help the kid in any way, shape or form. ‘As a say, I’m a big rival of Manchester United, but I’ve watched Manchester United from afar, there’s top coaches there, top people.

Tony Mogan, Metro’s Live Sports Editor Former Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole added: ‘The JJ Gabriel situation at Manchester United has blown my mind, because the kid is at a fantastic club with a great reputation of bringing players through. ‘You think of the Class of ’92, right the way through. They develop and they look after players. ‘Behind the scenes with his advisors, what I don’t understand is why would he want to leave that club when he’s clearly wanted?