Rio Ferdinand takes firm stance over Man Utd and JJ Gabriel - 'Can't be bullied by a young kid!'

· Mirror

JJ Gabriel has informed Manchester United that he wants to leave, with several European giants keen to sign him, and Rio Ferdinand has given his old club some advice

Rio Ferdinand has told Manchester United not to be "bullied" by JJ Gabriel after he asked to be released by the club.

The 15-year-old star's future at United has been the subject of intense speculation recently after it emerged that he was unhappy. Gabriel is yet to make his first-team debut for United and has grown frustrated by the lack of opportunities, despite his age.

He is not happy to just be starring for United's under-21s and his family believe Gabriel's development would be better served elsewhere. Gabriel has been courted by Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, while United's Premier League rivals are also interested, if his exit can be arranged.

Ferdinand visited United's squad during their pre-season in Ireland and was hugely impressed by Gabriel's ability. But the former United defender has urged his old club not to bend over backwards because it would set a dangerous precedent.

> "I just feel that Man United can't be seen to be bullied by a young kid who is 15 years old, no matter how good he is," Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. > > "So whatever the outcome is, Man United have to remain strong in this until the end because whatever the decision or whatever way this plays out, there will be kids coming after this who will be using it as a reference point and you can't be seen to be weak in this situation as a football club. > > "But I'm not going to sit here and hammer on the kid or pick apart what's going on because I don't have the facts around how they've got to this situation, this end point, that JJ Gabriel and his family are demanding to leave."

Two of Ferdinand's children, Lorenz and Tate, are pursuing professional careers in the Brighton academy and he was asked if he sympathised with Gabriel's family.

> "As a parent I'm the same," he admitted. "I want to know what you think of my son and how you see him and how long it will take. But I know that nothing is guaranteed in this game because there are too many things that can alter your path, be it injuries, form, timing and confidence etc."

Gabriel turns 16 on October 6 and can then be legally represented by an agent. But currently, he would only be allowed to find a new club at the end of the season, unless United agree to deregister him.

It's a messy situation, but one thing isn't in doubt for Ferdinand. "What a talent this kid is," he said. "It’s crazy. I don’t know where this kid’s ceiling is. I’ve seen him play, I’ve seen him train, I’ve listened to people who have coached him for a number of years and there’s no doubt this kid is going to the top."

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