Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterManchester United youngster Shea Lacey has taken to social media and posted what appears to be a jab at fellow wonderkid JJ Gabriel.The 19-year-old uploaded an image to X (formerly Twitter) of him arriving with the squad at Old Trafford, in Manchester United attire.The photo was accompanied by a heart emoji as its caption. It arrived shortly after news broke of Gabriel attempting to exit Manchester United.Shea Lacey makes timely Manchester United social media post Laceys post was immediately flooded with support from the Red Devils faithful, with many interpreting it as being in response to Gabriels attempted departure.The image has amassed over 100,000 likes on X, with Manchester United fans describing Lacey as the future and a proper Red in the comments beneath. You may like Manchester United dealt wonderkid transfer bombshell as star in the making asks to leave: report Manchester United academy sensation steals show with European hat-trick as historic debut edges closer Manchester United in talks with PSG star: report Gabriel, who scored over 20 goals for Manchester Uniteds development squad last term, informed the club earlier this week of his intention to depart as a free agent. Due to his age, the actual request is for his schoolboy forms to be cancelled and allowed to leave as he cannot be signed to a professional contract until his 17th birthday.Reports also circulated that portrayed Gabriel as being frustrated by Lacey and Harry Amass receiving Champions League appearances versus Sabah last Thursday, while he didnt get the Michael Carrick nod.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The Red Devils won that clash 4-0, with both Lacey and Amass being substituted on for Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu respectively in the 72nd minute.Gabriel, who received his unofficial senior debut during pre-season versus Atletico Madrid, was not part of the squad to face the Azeri champions.For Gabriels youth player registration to be cancelled, the player, club and parent/carer must all agree on the departure. In the event of this failing to be reached, the Premier League are able to intervene. What to read next You'll never guess which Manchester United star Lee Sharpe says he wished he'd played with Manchester United set to complete triple transfer from closest rivals in major statement: report Manchester United could tie up former Manchester City player as next summer buy: report Kid Messi is Gabriels unofficial nickname, and the Manchester United boss attested to his staggering quality back in August.JJ is one of the boys. He's obviously got a really big talent. He's trained with us quite a bit and is getting experience all the time. He's physically adapting to each step that he makes, and we're just continuing his development, Carrick said.Under-21s boss Adam Lawrence has also chimed in, stating that his primary goal was to not ruin the Manchester United youngster, who now appears set to leave.Well, I think the first thing in my job is not to ruin him. When you have a talented player like JJ and the other lads, of course, you obviously don't want to stifle their freedom and their creativity, he said.Gabriel is being courted by the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain according to reports.TOPICSPremier LeagueChampions LeagueKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
