Truth behind Man Utd warning given to Archie Gray will be a relief for Leeds United supporters: View | OneFootball

Archie Gray has arguably been one of the Championship's best players this season, let alone young player - and Leeds United fans will be hoping to keep hold of their young talent for many years to come.

Gray waltzed into the Whites' team at the start of the season, and despite his natural position being in central midfield, he's starred under Daniel Farke in an inverted wing-back role on the right hand side, which has offered both stability and quality to their ranks as the Championship season begins to come to a close.

But they know that keeping him on their books could be a huge challenge - though he's been warned off any move to rival clubs which will be a relief for supporters.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Gray, which would certainly bring back bad memories for Leeds fans.

Plenty of superb players have made the journey from Elland Road to Old Trafford in the past, most notably Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith and Eric Cantona - but losing Gray, a top young talent who at some point seems destined for England greatness - would likely be the biggest killer blow of all.

As such, many have had their say on the ordeal including former Whites striker Don Goodman, who has said that Gray should abstain from any deal involving the Red Devils because he will receive much better offers.

Having endured three separate situations in which their star players have left to head down the M62 in the Premier League era, that hasn't happened at all since Smith's move - and it's a chapter that Leeds fans will be hoping to put to bed should they return to the top-flight. They would hate to see their best young talent and arguably most valuable player leave for their bitter rivals and as such, Goodman's warning to Gray will come as superb news.

What Don Goodman said about Archie Gray

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Goodman said that whilst Gray has the talent, playing so much at 17 is emotionally draining - and whilst that might not change if he earns a Premier League move, there will be better clubs for him to ply his trade at than the Red Devils.

"He is absolutely flying, and I don’t think I’ve seen a 17-year-old play with such authority and class in my time. When I was 17, I was playing five or six games and then Trevor Cherry would take me out because it’s emotionally draining. Trust me.

"When you’re that young, you’re still a boy in real terms, playing in a man’s world. It can be emotionally and physically draining. But he’s just ploughed on and is absolute quality. It’s really important for Leeds to get back to the Premier League if they want to keep him. If not then he will end up a Premier League player with someone else.

"I think you can probably say it was only a matter of time before Kalvin Phillips left Leeds, and the same applies here for Gray if they are not in the Premier League in the next year or so."

Archie Gray transfer latest

Gray has long been considered one of Leeds' finest young talents having been placed on the bench at just 15 years old back in December 2021; and this season has without doubt been his breakthrough.

As a result, it has seen multiple clubs linked with a move for his signature. Liverpool have been the main source of interest, with multiple reports suggesting that the Reds are to bid between £40million and £50million for his services. Conor Bradley and Trent Alexander-Arnold both playing extremely well in parts this season means that it would likely be a midfield role for Gray at Anfield should he make the move to Merseyside at any point in the future; and with Thiago Alcantara's future looking bleak, Gray could be his replacement in the centre of the park.

For now though, he remains at Elland Road and his development would, of course, be best served in west Yorkshire.