Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has expressed genuine alarm over reports surrounding young Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel, admitting that the teenager’s reported demand for an exit “scares” him given the potential risks to his fledgling career. In a chat with TNT, Gerrard highlighted how premature moves or forced departures can often derail the development of raw talent before they truly find their footing at the senior level.
Emphasizing the importance of patience and stability during the formative years of a professional career, the former midfielder cautioned against letting outside noise dictate major career decisions. “You think of the Class of ’92, right the way through. United develop and they look after players,” he told TNT Sports. “Behind the scenes with his advisors, what I don’t understand is why would he want to leave that club when he’s clearly wanted?
Clearly, they want to help him push on. “Michael Carrick is from an academy, so he’ll want to play him. But it’s not just in this situation, it’s the game as a whole. I’m sure it’s happening in other countries. “These talents, they have parents, they have agents, outside influences that force and rush too soon, it can affect a kid’s career.
It scares me that kids can now be rushed and careers can be forced.”