Wayne Rooney has admitted it would be disappointing for Manchester United to lose highly-rated youngster JJ Gabriel, describing the 15-year-old as a special talent. Gabriel has asked to leave United despite being regarded as one of the clubs most promising academy players, with Barcelona and Real Madrid among the clubs monitoring his situation.The teenager turns 16 next month and recently made an impressive UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah, scoring a hat-trick.Rooney, who has watched Gabriel develop through his son Kais age group, said United have made significant efforts to convince the youngster to remain at Old Trafford.I have seen JJ grow up, he has been in [my son] Kais team, Wayne Rooney told Stick To Football on Disney+. Anyone close to it knew that was coming.In fairness to Manchester United they have done everything, absolutely everything, to keep him at the club.The club have treated him probably differently to the other players because he is such a special player. I know, I recognise that, because I was that player at Everton. I was getting that treatment at Everton.As a club, you need to do [it] to try to keep the better players.Its disappointing because he is such a top player and a lovely kid.You never know whether its gone too far or whether there is a chance for him to stay.Table of ContentsRooney compares Gabriel to his own Everton breakthroughRooney expects Gabriel to be ready for first-team footballRooney compares Gabriel to his own Everton breakthroughRooney knows better than most what it is like to be identified as an exceptional young player at an early age.The former England and Manchester United striker became the Premier Leagues youngest goalscorer when he scored for Everton against Arsenal in 2002 at the age of 16 years and 360 days.That record has since been broken by Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, who scored against Everton in March aged 16 years and 73 days.Rooney believes Gabriel has shown many of the qualities required to progress through the age groups and eventually make the step into senior football.He is a top player, Rooney said of the 15-year-old. His ability, his balance, he has shown he can go up the ages and score goals. The next step is first-team football where its different, and you never know until youre in there.But hes such a special talent who understands the game really well.Rooney expects Gabriel to be ready for first-team footballUnited are understood to believe there is still a possibility of resolving the situation and keeping Gabriel at the club.Rooney suggested the youngster could have been given an opportunity in Ruben Amorims first team at some point this season had he remained at Old Trafford.The former United captain said Gabriels development means he is already approaching the point where senior football could become his next challenge.At some point this season he would [have] made his debut for the first-team, Id imagine, so thats where its disappointing. Topics Manchester United F.C. Wayne Rooney Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Manchester United is now a soulless football club and Ratcliffe, Carrick and Fernandes must shoulder the blame Jon Fisher 22nd September, 2026 The sack race: Which Premier League managers are already at risk after five games? Cian Cheesbrough 21st September, 2026 Man United striker Sesko set for tests after withdrawing from Slovenia squad Nicholas McGee 21st September, 2026 Premier League: 5 key talking points as City steal early march in title race and Carrick comes under fire Nicholas McGee 21st September, 2026 Who has impressed across the first five weeks? Our Team of the Premier League season so far Jon Fisher 21st September, 2026 England: Rice, Rashford, Mainoo and Livramento join Palmer in withdrawing from Nations League squad Nicholas McGee 21st September, 2026
