JJ Gabriel Tells Manchester United He Wants Old Trafford Exit
Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel has informed the club that he wants to leave Old Trafford immediately, despite being under contract and not yet eligible to sign a scholarship agreement elsewhere until next summer.
The 15-year-old, who will not turn 16 until October, had been expected to feature in Michael Carrick’s squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton. United’s hierarchy were taken aback by the request and have not been given a clear explanation for Gabriel’s decision.
Gabriel’s United status
- Gabriel has formally communicated his wish to depart Manchester United with immediate effect.
- United maintain that the issue can be resolved because the player remains contracted to the club.
- The club’s position is that Gabriel cannot simply be removed from registration while that agreement is in place.
- He will be able to complete scholarship paperwork with a club next summer, when he reaches the relevant age.
Rapid progress through the age groups
Gabriel has been one of the standout players in United’s academy system. He was named Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season in May and has already scored two goals for the under-21 side in Premier League 2 this term.
His development had also brought him into senior consideration. The forward made his first-team bow during United’s pre-season programme, while his first UEFA Youth League appearance last week ended with a hat-trick against Sabah.
That form had placed him in contention for a place against Brighton, with Carrick considering the teenager for the Carabao Cup fixture.
Club confidence in the youngster
United’s professional development phase lead Adam Lawrence recently stressed that Gabriel had strong support throughout the club, from senior figures to academy staff and team-mates. Lawrence said the youngster had spent a long time at United and developed positive relationships across the training ground.
Lawrence also said the club had been carefully managing Gabriel’s match schedule and training work, seeking to expose him to the appropriate levels of football as he progressed. He described the teenager as enjoying his game and being in a positive environment.
