Manchester United's 15-year-old academy prodigy JJ Gabriel has asked to leave the club, Sky Sports News understands. The highly-rated teenager and his representatives have sent formal notice to United's hierarchy requesting that his registration be cancelled with immediate effect, which would allow him to become a free agent. The request has come as a major surprise to those at Carrington, with Sky Sports News understanding the club are mystified by the reasons behind Gabriel's decision.
Gabriel was involved in Michael Carrick's first-team plans during pre-season and Sky Sports News understands he was in line to feature in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, live on Sky Sports. Questions had already been raised after Gabriel removed all Manchester United-related content from his Instagram account several days ago. The situation is not considered irretrievable, with United hopeful it can still be resolved given the timescale involved.
Gabriel also cannot simply be deregistered by the club without the relevant process being followed. He joined United at the age of 11 and is regarded as one of the outstanding young talents to emerge from the club's academy. Gabriel became the youngest winner of United's Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season after scoring more than 20 goals for the U18s.
The teenager has also previously attracted reported interest from Manchester City, while Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been linked with him. Premier League rules state that a youth registration can only be cancelled if the club, player and parent or carer agree. If they cannot reach an agreement, the Premier League can make a binding decision.
Gabriel turns 16 on October 6 and cannot sign a scholarship agreement until then, or a professional contract until he turns 17. The Carabao Cup represents Michael Carrick's first domestic cup campaign as United's long-term head coach and offers an early opportunity to put silverware back on the agenda at Old Trafford. Carrick was part of United's coaching staff during a barren spell in terms of trophies, initially working alongside Jose Mourinho before continuing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from 2018 to 2021.
He later took charge on an interim basis. Solskjaer's reign was repeatedly judged on United's failure to turn semi-final and final appearances into trophies, with the club reaching the latter stages of several competitions without lifting silverware. Now installed as the club's permanent head coach, Carrick has made clear that winning trophies remains central to the job.
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