The fear for United is that a highly rated prospect who has been in their academy system since the age of 11 goes on to fulfill his potential elsewhere. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and a host of Premier League clubs have already registered interest in securing Gabriel's signature. United are proud of their record of having at least one academy graduate in every matchday squad since October 1937, but losing a player of Gabriel's caliber could be a significant setback.
Players can sign a full-time scholarship as U16s, at which point they're officially allowed to be paid. Gabriel is eligible to sign scholarship forms after his 16th birthday, on October 6. Manchester United will get a payment from Gabriel's next club if he leaves, but it will be nothing compared to the transfer fee he could command if he turns into the player many expect him to become.