Manchester United Stunned as 15-Year-Old Prodigy JJ Gabriel Asks to Leave

Manchester United’s highly rated academy forward JJ Gabriel has formally asked the club to cancel his registration with immediate effect.

The 15-year-old would be able to leave United if the required process is completed.

United are understood to have been surprised by the request and remain unclear about Gabriel’s reasons for wanting to leave, although the club believes the situation can still be resolved.

The timing is particularly striking.

Gabriel had been expected to be involved in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton as United accelerated his route towards the first team.

He 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 Under-18s.

Last week, he scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League.

Gabriel turns 16 on October 6.

Premier League rules mean his youth registration cannot simply be cancelled by United alone. The club, player and parent or carer would normally need to agree.

If agreement cannot be reached, the Premier League can make a binding decision.

Gabriel has previously attracted reported interest from Manchester City, while Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with him.

United had been preparing one of Carrington’s most highly regarded prospects for a potential first-team breakthrough.

He has now formally asked to leave.

Sources

• Sky Sports – JJ Gabriel asks Manchester United to cancel his registration
• The Telegraph – JJ Gabriel asks to quit Manchester United academy
• The Guardian – Manchester United shocked by Gabriel request