Gary Neville and Roy Keane slam JJ Gabriel’s representatives for taking ‘nuclear option’ in demanding transfer exit

MANCHESTER UNITED legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane put JJ Gabriel’s representatives on full blast after the wonderkid expressed his desire to leave. United Academy star Gabriel, 15, wants out amid interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and rivals Manchester City as well as Chelsea. Manchester United legend Gary Neville has slammed JJ Gabriel’s representatives Credit: Getty Images – Getty Gabriel has expressed his desire to leave Man Utd over a lack of first-team minutes Credit: 2026 PA Media The striker had been in line to play a part on Wednesday’s disastrous Carabao Cup elimination to Brighton at Old Trafford – so much so that his name was included in the matchday programme. But a tantrum over a lack of first-team minutes so far this term saw the England Under-17 international refuse to train and subsequently dropped from manager Michael Carrick’s matchday squad. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! Gabriel, who is represented by his father and former footballer Joe O’Cearuill, is said to believe Man Utd have had ample opportunities to play him in the first team this season, including in the Champions League. And according to talkSPORT, the young prospect dubbed Kid Messi has sent in formal notice to cancel his registration at the club in order to become a free agent. However, club greats Neville, 51, and Keane, 55, have taken exception to the teenager’s decision of choosing the “nuclear option”. The England legend suggested it was the player’s camp who leaked the news about him wanting to leave, which is not in the United Under-18 star’s best interest. Neville told Stick to Football: “There was this big announcement from a prominent journalist that’s obviously been leaked. “If the club’s not going to leak that, it’s not in the club’s interest to leak this, not on the back of the weekend. So, the player’s representatives have definitely leaked this. Most read in Football SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “They’ve decided they want to go the nuclear option and go: ‘Bang, we’re JJ Gabriel to leave Man Utd’. “That to me is my concern is that who’s representing him thinks that’s good for the kid.” Keane criticised Gabriel’s lack of patience as he insists there is still plenty of time to properly grow within Man Utd’s first team. The legendary midfielder added his former team needs wins and momentum after a disappointing loss to rivals Man City in the Prem and a heartbreaking Carabao Cup exit. Therefore, the timing is not right to introduce young players under such pressure. Keane said: “Are you telling me he can’t wait? If you are 15 years of age and you’re talking about playing for Man Utd’s first team, just wait. Can you wait another six weeks if United get through the cup? “Carrick’s under pressure. Obviously, [Sir Alex] Ferguson would throw young lads into the first team. But United, they need wins [right now]. “I don’t think United are in a position where they go: ‘We can write off a cup game tonight and play a couple of young lads’. “‘We need to get momentum into the season. If some 15-year-old is spitting his dummy out, we’ll deal with that.’” Neville is adamant United and Gabriel should learn from the way Arsenal have been handling their own wonderkid Max Dowman. Man Utd legend Roy Keane insists Gabriel should have more patience Credit: Getty Images – Getty Gabriel has attracted immense interest from big-name hitters Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Dowman, 16, has already made history in the Premier League after becoming the competition’s youngest ever goalscorer last season at the age of 16 years and 73 days. However, the Gunners have found a balance with the way they treat Dowman as they hand out opportunities in the way that adds necessary protection for the youngster. Neville added: “I just don’t see the logic from any representatives of a 15-year-old boy who think it’s a good idea to put his name in lights right now. “You want to try and sort of douse the flames, don’t you? You don’t want to add fuel to a fire. “Max Dowman, if you remember last year when he came on, you know, Sky probably asked for an interview at the end of the game. “Arsenal said no. They got him straight back into the changing room. He’s back at school on Monday morning.” Comment now