“It scares me” – Gerrard thinks Man Utd star is about to commit massive mistake

Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard warns JJ Gabriel about leaving Manchester United, insisting the grass isn’t greener elsewhere.

Although he has yet to play at the senior level, the 15-year-old is considered one of the most exciting young players in the world.

Earlier this week, United fans were stunned to learn that Gabriel has requested his release from the club, as he’s no longer satisfied with his situation.

Steven Gerrard argues Man Utd is the place to be for JJ Gabriel

(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

During pre-season, Gabriel was hoping to make several appearances, but he only made a brief cameo against Atletico Madrid.

Moreover, Michael Carrick omitted him from the Champions League A-list in favour of the injured Manuel Ugarte, preventing the teenager from playing in Europe’s elite club competition. This may have been the last straw for Gabriel and family.

However, Gerrard feels that youngsters like Gabriel are being thrust into the scene too soon. He also believes that Carrick would have gladly handed the teenager an opportunity if he deemed him ready.

“It’s not just in this situation. Broadly, it scares me in the game that kids can now be rushed or careers can be forced,” said the legendary Liverpool midfielder in a chat with Joe Cole on TNT Sports (as transcribed by Metro).

“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.”

Gerrard suggests Gabriel’s parents and entourage could end up playing a negative role in the player’s career path, noting that a move to Real Madrid could backfire due to the massive pressure.

“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.

“It is going to add huge pressure. Let’s use Jose Mourinho, for example, at Real Madrid. Even if he goes to Real Madrid now, is Jose Mourinho going to play this kid straight away? Is he going to be forced to push him?

“You know what these elite managers are like; they play kids when they are ready to contribute to the team.

“In my opinion, they need to look after the kid’s health and his care, but Manchester United can give him that; they’ve got a history of doing that. I don’t see the rush; I don’t see the panic.”

Can Man United still salvage the situation?

JJ Gabriel (Photo via club media)

Unfortunately for everyone involved, this chaotic episode would make Gabriel’s return to Carrington a tad awkward, as the rapport between the management and the player won’t be repaired overnight, even if the parties intend to (which is far from a given at this stage).

Moreover, Carrick would certainly feel added pressure to field the young striker, who has made his feelings known about his role at the club. Therefore, Gabriel’s situation feels almost irreversible.

It should also be noted that the player and his entourage hold all the cards, as they can walk away from the club at the end of the season once his contract expires, or perhaps as early as his 16th birthday (October 6) if he holds an Irish or other European passport, taking advantage of a loophole in the regulations.

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