Manchester United talent JJ Gabriel(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester United have reportedly decided to appeal JJ Gabriel’s red card, which the 15-year-old received during the Under-18s’ 4-3 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.
Gabriel contributed two assists as United took a four-goal lead into the half-time interval of their Premier League Under-18 Cup clash. West Brom managed to pull one back after 52 minutes, and upon the restart the youngster became involved in a tangle with an opponent off the ball, resulting in his sending off.
It did not take long for the academy forward – who has already trained with the senior squad under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick – to react.
Posting video footage of the incident on his Instagram stories, Gabriel fumed: “How can this be a yellow let alone a red, how?”
According to BBC Sport, Gabriel’s view reflects that of United and the club intend to appeal their youth player’s impending suspension.
The red card is due to carry a three-match ban that would prevent the young talent from featuring in United’s FA Youth Cup fifth round clash with Oxford United next Wednesday, February 18.
Gabriel featured in the previous round, starting and playing 115 minutes as Darren Fletcher’s side defeated Derby County after extra-time at Old Trafford.
Either side of the important meeting with Oxford, Gabriel would be in line to sit out an U18s Manchester derby against Manchester City and finally a meeting with Wolves U18s.
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United will wait for their appeal’s verdict with these fixtures fast approaching.
Gabriel has caused quite the buzz at academy level, with United extremely excited about the prospect of the 15-year-old breaking into the senior squad when the time is right.
For now, the club wish to temper expectations and as reported by MEN Sport, sources close to the youngster understand it is not much hassle in keeping the 15-year-old grounded. He has a strong family support and a circle of friends, who don’t let him get ahead of himself.
They have done all they possibly can to keep Gabriel out of the clutches of European rivals and the youngster has a bright future ahead.
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