Kai Rooney accused of aiming dig at JJ Gabriel after scoring four goals against Burnley

Kai Rooney has been accused of aiming a dig at JJ Gabriel during a stunning four-goal haul for Manchester United's youth team against Burnley.

Rooney, son of Manchester United record goalscorer Wayne, hit four goals in a 6-0 rout against Burnley on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old has notched five goals in one appearance for the Under-18 side and has progressed well in the youth ranks of the club where his father spent 13 years.

He scored a hat-trick in just over 60 minutes before helping himself to a fourth in the resounding win.

Kai Rooney's 'dig' at JJ Gabriel after scoring four for Man United

Rooney's goalscoring feats hit headlines, but a few days on, and his celebration has also been subject to coverage.

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In an 'Academy Netbook' column for the Manchester Evening News, Steven Railston provided an update on Rooney's development.

But he also shed light on Rooney performing the very same celebration as fellow United academy prospect Gabriel - deeming it to be a jab at the wantaway youngster.

"It has gone under the radar, but he celebrated in the same way as JJ Gabriel would," Railston wrote.

“The 'arm across the face and gun finger celebration' was used by Rooney.

“It's impossible to say for sure, but it did seem like a dig at Gabriel, whose camp has pushed for an exit over alleged broken promises.” days after scoring a stunning hat-trick for the club's Under 19

Last month, mere days after bagging in the UEFA Youth League, Gabriel had informed the club he wished to have his registration cancelled immediately.

It was later reported that Gabriel's camp felt United had broken promises made to him and made it clear he wished to become a free agent and move on.

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European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all been circling for Gabriel, who turned 16 at the start of the month.

However, Gabriel has been left frustrated in his efforts to leave United as the club have been refusing to cancel his registration.

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The block on United's part means Gabriel has been left in limbo and is still currently a Red Devils player as it stands.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, that is likely to still be the case until the European transfer window opens again in January,

But though there won't be a transfer fee, Gabriel is likely to be a much more expensive acquisition.

Fussball Transfers say that the total package for Gabriel could reach €15 million, and he is demanding a salary of €1 million. A significant signing-on bonus is also due.

It's claimed that Barcelona and Bayern are at the back of the queue due to finances, with Real and PSG said to be leading the race and looking to strike an agreement before January.

Gabriel looks to have played his final game for the club's youth sides and is poised to leave without ever making his breakthrough for the first team.

His only appearance for the first team came in pre-season, where he came on for Bryan Mbeumo for a short cameo in a friendly against Atletico Madrid.