Wayne Rooney says JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United exit push was expected

Wayne Rooney has revealed that people close to JJ Gabriel’s situation at Manchester United had been expecting the teenager to push for an Old Trafford exit.

Gabriel has informed United that he wants to leave, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs showing interest as the highly rated winger approaches his 16th birthday in October.

United have rejected Gabriel’s request to cancel his registration and remain determined to convince one of their leading academy talents to stay.

Speaking on Stick to United, Rooney said Gabriel’s desire to explore a move elsewhere has been known within circles close to the situation for some time.

“I think that anyone close to it knew that was coming,” Rooney said.

“In fairness to Manchester United, they've done everything, they've done absolutely everything to keep him.”

Rooney believes Spain has long appealed to Gabriel, although he stressed that was based on what he had heard rather than something he could personally confirm.

The former United captain also claimed the club have treated Gabriel differently from other academy players because of his exceptional potential.

Rooney compared that approach to his own experience at Everton, where he received additional attention as one of English football’s outstanding young prospects.

“The club have treated him probably differently to the other players because he is such a special talent,” he explained.

Gabriel's performances explain why United are reluctant to lose him.

Reports credit the winger with 29 goals and four assists from 32 Under-18 appearances, while he also scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut earlier this month.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have stepped up their interest, while Chelsea have also been presented as an attractive option should Gabriel ultimately remain in England.

His 16th birthday on October 6 could bring further developments, although any potential international move involving a minor would still have to comply with the relevant FIFA regulations.

Rooney has not completely ruled out Gabriel remaining at United, but his comments suggest the teenager’s request has not come as a surprise inside the wider circle around his development.

Gabriel turns 16 on October 6, making the coming weeks particularly important for his future.

Manchester United are still attempting to persuade him to stay, while interest from Spain and England ensures the situation is unlikely to disappear unless the teenager changes his position or his next move becomes clearer.