Man Utd's JJ Gabriel fears and crunch meeting after Man City 'tried to exploit rule'

Man Utd's JJ Gabriel fears and crunch meeting after Man City 'tried to exploit rule'Manchester United fought Manchester City for JJ Gabriel during the summer transfer window, with their director of football, Jason Wilcox, said to have played a part in convincing the teenager to stayCommentsSportMatthew Abbott Sports Writer14:11, 16 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesJJ Gabriel reportedly could have moved to Manchester City last summerManchester United reportedly feared losing JJ Gabriel to Manchester City after their rivals tried to sign the teenager. Gabriel could have de-registered at the end of last season by effectively serving notice to leave, taking advantage of a rule for under-14s that would have permitted him to move freely across Manchester.‌Gabriel, who turned 15 in October, has starred for United's under-18s since staying. The forward has scored 25 goals across 28 games.‌Those strikes have fired United to the FA Youth Cup semi-final. If they beat Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Friday night, City await in the final.‌READ MORE: Man Utd learn Luis Enrique truth amid Andoni Iraola offer and Michael Carrick dilemmaREAD MORE: Roy Keane points finger at Michael Carrick over reaction to Man Utd red card furyFOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageThe Telegraph, though, reports that Gabriel could have been playing for United's rivals this season after their serious attempts to sign the teenager. They claimed the club feared losing their starlet at one stage before convincing the forward to stick around.Director of football Jason Wilcox is said to have played a part in Gabriel staying put. However, clubs reportedly continue to follow the player's progress, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.‌European clubs could sign the teenager when he turns 16, as Gabriel holds an Irish passport. Therefore, he does not have to wait until 18 to play in the European Union.Gabriel, however, has to wai...