'He could have been a superstar' - Paul Merson warns 'Manchester United will be gutted' as JJ Gabriel agrees Real Madrid move

Manchester United find themselves bracing for the departure of young talent JJ Gabriel, who has verbally committed to joining Real Madrid in January. Paul Merson, a former Arsenal and England player, believes the Red Devils will be devastated to lose the 16-year-old, who has been tipped to become a superstar. Gabriel's move comes after he walked out on United earlier in the season, and his representatives removed him from the club to explore other options.

Merson argues that the rules allowing Gabriel to move abroad should be changed, citing his Irish passport as a factor in his decision. The former England and Arsenal winger acknowledges Gabriel's desire to join Real Madrid, but insists that the club's refusal to grant him a release is unacceptable. Merson emphasizes that such moves are becoming increasingly common, pointing to the recent departure of Rio Ngumocha from Liverpool.

He calls for a change in the rules to give academy players a fair chance, rather than being abruptly stripped from their clubs.