Gerrard warns 15-year-old Gabriel that Real Madrid move carries same risks as Man United exit

Steven Gerrard has warned 15-year-old JJ Gabriel that leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid will not remove the pressures threatening to derail his early career, arguing that outside influences are pushing the teenager into a decision that could cause lasting damage.

Gabriel informed United he wanted his registration terminated at Old Trafford after interest emerged from the La Liga club, having been on the verge of a first-team debut. He has not featured for any of United’s sides since making his intentions known.

United manager Michael Carrick urged restraint when asked about the situation following the club’s defeat to Brighton. “It’s more about the welfare, the care and the attention of JJ as a child really,” Carrick said. “He’s certainly a young man. The situation is what it is, but we have to be careful about the exposure on that one.”

Gerrard, a vocal supporter of protecting young talent, went further in his assessment. “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,” he said. “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.”

The former Liverpool captain also questioned whether a move to Madrid under Jose Mourinho would actually accelerate Gabriel’s path to first-team football. “Even if he goes to Real Madrid now, is Jose Mourinho going to play this kid straight away? You know what these elite managers are like — they play kids when they are ready to contribute to the team.”

Gerrard reserved particular criticism for the agents and external figures he believes are driving the situation. “These talents, they have parents, they have agents, outside influences that force and rush too soon, and it can affect a kid’s career. From the outside this stinks to me that someone is pushing, forcing and rushing it. And I don’t think it’s going to help the kid in any way, shape or form.”

He also raised a practical concern for any club considering a move. “If you’re another club looking into this situation you’re thinking to yourself, ‘yeah the kid is a big talent’, but do you want the baggage and the noise around it?”

Carrick’s assistant Steve Holland is also understood to be closely involved in managing Gabriel’s situation, with both coaches keen to handle the teenager’s welfare carefully.