Transfer: Man Utd 'gutted' as Real Madrid snap up JJ Gabriel — Paul Merson reacts

Arsenal legend Paul Merson says Manchester United will be “gutted” to lose JJ Gabriel to Real Madrid.

Merson insisted that the 16-year-old “could have been a superstar” at Old Trafford.

Gabriel has reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid in January after leaving Man United earlier this season.

The teenager was expected to become Manchester United’s youngest player in the Carabao Cup in September.

But the club decided to delay his introduction to first-team football, and Gabriel’s representatives immediately moved to take him out of the club.

“This kid’s a good player — a very good player. He could have been a superstar, so Manchester United will be gutted," Merson told Sky Sports.

"I think this rule’s got to change. Manchester United have worked on this kid and now he’s going to Real Madrid.”