'Man Utd can't be bullied' - Carrick receives firm transfer warning

29 Sept 2026 07:02 BST | 2 min read

Michael Carrick, Man Utd, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand says his former club “can’t be bullied” by JJ Gabriel following the 15-year-old’s decision to pursue a move away from Old Trafford.

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Gabriel is regarded as one of the best young prospects in European football and his representatives are in talks with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid as he seeks to leave Man Utd.

The 15-year-old officially handed in a transfer request earlier this month and he has asked the Man Utd hierarchy to terminate his contract with immediate effect in order to allow him to complete a Bosman move to one of the world’s biggest clubs.

It’s understood that Man Utd’s lack of progress in recent years is a key contributing reason behind Gabriel’s desire to leave, while he also wants to play first-team football as soon as possible, which he doesn’t believe will happen at Old Trafford.

Gabriel won the inaugural U18 Premier League Player of the Season award last term after scoring 20 goals in 21 games for Man Utd, and both Bayern Munich and PSG are believed to be in competition with Barcelona and Real Madrid for his signature.

JJ Gabriel transfer warning

While Man Utd are desperate to retain Gabriel due to his immense talent, Ferdinand has urged his former club to avoid being “bullied” by the teenager.

“First and foremost, what a talent this kid is. It’s crazy,” Ferdinand told his YouTube channel.

“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.

“I think we need to understand the reasons why he wants to leave the club. It’s not a 15-year-old making this call on his own, his family may have their reasons why.

“Are they being impatient, are they thinking he should have got minutes already, were they promised stuff and now they’re disgruntled?

“I remember watching him in training and he was doing shooting drills with Bruno Fernandes. That’s the PFA Player of the Year and one of the best midfielders in the world. At 15 years old that would have been enough for me. But maybe he’s got aspirations and wants to be playing already.

“But Manchester United can’t be seen to be bullied by a 15-year-old, no matter how good he is. So whatever the outcome, Manchester United have to remain strong in this. There will be other kids using this as a reference point so you can’t be seen to be weak as a football club.”