Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley believes JJ Gabriel is not ready for regular Premier League football, despite the teenager’s push for first-team opportunities at Old Trafford.
JJ Gabriel turned 16 on Tuesday, making a move to Europe possible, and his future at Manchester United remains uncertain after he asked to leave the club. He has not trained at Carrington since September 16, when he left ahead of the Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton.
Multiple reports have linked him to a host of different clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. The teenager is himself inclined towards a move to Barcelona, as covered in our report as well.
JJ Gabriel had been expected to make his senior debut against Brighton before his representatives asked United to cancel his registration following a disagreement over playing time.
Bardsley feels the teenager’s ability is obvious but believes there is still a physical gap to bridge before he is ready for the Premier League.
Bardsley urges patience with JJ Gabriel
“From the outside, physically I don’t think he’s ready to be thrown in at the level yet,” Bardsley told talkSPORT.
The former United full-back pointed to Wayne Rooney as an example of a teenager who was physically prepared to handle senior football at a very young age.
Gabriel, in Bardsley’s view, is different.
“His abilities are obviously there; he’s an outstanding talent and hopefully goes on to be a great player,” he said.
The bigger concern for Bardsley is the timing of the dispute and the pressure surrounding the youngster.
“But I think the timing’s a bit off, the way things are at the club and the way it came out,” he added.
Bardsley also believes Gabriel needs time to adjust to the demands of senior football rather than being rushed into a first-team role.
“I think you need to be patient,” he said.
That may be easier said than done with major European clubs already interested. Manchester United, however, are reported to be doing their best to avoid losing the talented youngster.
