JJ Gabriel should look at what Arsenal did against Ipswich before making his decision

15-year-old JJ Gabriel is trying to force his way out of Manchester United.

The teenager, described as a generational talent by Ryan Giggs, has sent formal notice to United that he wants to cancel his registration with immediate effect. The Telegraph detailed that the player’s camp feel that he has received mixed messages from the club. He was left off the Champions League A list despite a Youth League hat-trick and given just 13 minutes in pre-season for the senior side.

Hours later at Portman Road, a completely different story was playing out for Arsenal.

16-year-old Max Dowman lit up the Carabao Cup with a brace and a man of the match display against Ipswich that had Arsenal fans reaching for Messi comparisons. He became only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a game for a Premier League side, matching Wayne Rooney’s record.

But Dowman wasn’t the only teenager on the pitch. Marli Salmon, 17, started at centre-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly, 19, played at left-back. 18-year-olds Theo Julienne and Ife Ibrahim came off the bench, and Arsenal finished the game with five teenagers on the pitch at the same time.

Arsenal send a message to JJ Gabriel

Arsenal’s depth is extraordinary. They have World Cup winners, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, who have yet to start a league game for the champions this season. And yet there is still a pathway for teenagers to not just feature, but to star.

Mikel Arteta gave Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri their debuts at 15. He has built a culture where extraordinary young talent is recognised and rewarded if it is earned.

United have fought hard to keep Gabriel up to now, telling him how valued he is. But they simply haven’t given him the same opportunities that Arsenal have provided their generational talents.

At Arsenal, they have shown that if you are good enough, you will play. Dowman proved it again on Tuesday night.

JJ Gabriel has his pick of clubs, and one of them circling is indeed Arsenal. But they face stiff competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. He turns 16 next month on 6 October, so he doesn’t have too much time to make the right decision.

But if he wants to know what a club that actually trusts their young players looks like, Tuesday night at Portman Road was exhibit A.