deb

JJ Gabriel is undoubtedly a very special talent but he is *checks notes* 15. Only 15. He can’t change in the seniors’ dressing-room yet. He’s not physically ready for first-team football yet. Pathways are not speed tracks. It’s about easing Gabriel in gradually, working on his physical and tactical development, growing. Because the skill is undoubtedly there. Look how Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is gradually nurturing the talent of Max Dowman, 16: 153 minutes over six Premier League games (1 start, 5 subs) and 387 minutes over eight cup games so far (4, 4). Dowman started against Ipswich in the League Cup last night and scored twice. He played 90 minutes. Arteta knows when and where to give him games. And Dowman is more physically ready for first-team football than Gabriel. It’s sad there has been some fall-out/misunderstanding between Gabriel, his father, and Manchester United. He has asked to leave, as per @Matt_Law_DT. But wherever Gabriel goes, if they are a responsible club, and thinking of his long-term development, they won’t be starting him any time soon. He’s still developing physically. And will he settle? Real Madrid, one of the clubs he’s being linked with, would be a formidable challenge. Look before you leap. At least he is familiar with the United set-up. He’s grown up there, and still has some growing to do. Yes, he may well have been frustrated not to be involved against Sabah. And frustrated to see the injured Manuel Ugarte taking up a place in the Champions League squad. But the reported plan was to give him his debut – as United’s youngest ever player – against Brighton in the League Cup tonight. There is a pathway. United have a famous history of giving youth a chance. There will be opportunity if Gabriel shows he’s ready. Does Gabriel want to follow in the footsteps of George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Marcus Rashford and co? United, understandably, want to keep a special talent and let's hope some rapprochement is possible. Michael Carrick could be central to this. His 16-year-old son is in the academy. Carrick understands the academy, the pathway and what's best for a teenager's development. For Gabriel, the timing of all this is strange anyway. He can’t move abroad until he’s 16 anyway. If he’s set on leaving, it will be far easier next summer. When Gabriel will be only *checks notes* 16. There’s no hurry.