Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel travels to Barcelona amid speculation over future
The 15-year-old has not trained with the team since scoring a hat-trick in his UEFA Youth League debut on September 10.
Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has traveled to Barcelona as speculation mounts over his future with the club. The 15-year-old has not trained with the United first team since scoring a hat-trick in his UEFA Youth League debut on September 10. Tournament rules prevent him from playing for any club other than United in this season's competition.
Sources close to Gabriel expressed frustration that the club did not register him for their Champions League opener against Sabah FK, which Manchester United won 4-0. Gabriel also scored in his first two Premier League 2 outings for United this season but will not be involved in the upcoming match against Brentford.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick addressed the speculation on Friday, stating, "He's a young boy, JJ, and I think it's important we don't play anything out here. With the exposure and scrutiny and everything, you got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything. The situation will work itself out, whatever way it's going to work itself out. Making sure he's OK is the important thing."
Several of Europe's biggest clubs are reportedly vying for Gabriel's signature.