Rooney: Man United face blow if teenage sensation JJ Gabriel leaves

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has said it would be “disappointing” if the club lose teenage sensation JJ Gabriel, describing the 15-year-old as a “special talent”.

Gabriel has asked to leave United, with Barcelona and Real Madrid among the clubs monitoring his situation, according to ESPN.

Speaking on Stick To Football on Disney+, Rooney said United had done everything possible to convince the youngster to remain at Old Trafford.

“In fairness to Manchester United, they have done everything, absolutely everything, to keep him at the club,” Rooney said.

“The club have treated him probably differently to the other players because he is such a special player.

“It’s disappointing because he is such a top player and a lovely kid. You never know whether it’s gone too far or whether there is a chance for him to stay.”

Rooney, who has watched Gabriel develop alongside his son Kai in United’s youth setup, believes the teenager could have made his first-team debut this season.

“He is a top player. His ability, his balance, he has shown he can go up the ages and score goals,” he said.

“But he’s such a special talent who understands the game really well. At some point this season he would [have] made his debut for the first team, I’d imagine, so that’s where it’s disappointing.”

Gabriel, who turns 16 next month, recently marked his UEFA Youth League debut with a hat-trick against Sabah.