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JJ Gabriel asks to leave Manchester United amid shock at Old Trafford
15th September, 2026 08:00 PM
Manchester United have been caught off guard by a request from highly-rated academy youngster JJ Gabriel to leave the club.
The 15-year-old forward and his representatives have formally asked United to cancel his registration, a move that would make him a free agent if the request is approved.
The development has reportedly left officials at Carrington surprised, particularly because Gabriel had been involved in the club’s first-team preparations and was expected to feature in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton.
However, he will not be included in the squad for the match.
Concerns over Gabriel’s future had emerged earlier when the youngster deleted Manchester United-related posts from his Instagram account.
Gabriel had impressed during pre-season and made his first appearance for United’s senior side when he came on for Bryan Mbeumo against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.
Despite the latest development, United believe there remains an opportunity to settle the matter. The club cannot simply remove the teenager’s registration without going through the appropriate procedure.
Gabriel joined United when he was 11 and has since developed into one of the academy’s most highly regarded prospects.
Last season, he became the youngest recipient of the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award after scoring more than 20 times for the Under-18 side.
His performances have also attracted attention from elsewhere. Manchester City have previously been reported to have shown interest, while Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the teenager.
Premier League regulations require the player, club and parent or carer to agree before a youth registration can be cancelled. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, the Premier League has the authority to make a final decision.
Gabriel will turn 16 on October 6, 2026. He cannot sign a scholarship deal before his 16th birthday and will have to wait until he is 17 before he can enter into a professional contract.
Carabao Cup
While Gabriel’s future dominates the headlines, United are preparing for their Carabao Cup clash with Brighton on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The competition represents Michael Carrick’s first domestic cup campaign since taking charge as the club’s permanent head coach, giving him an early chance to begin his pursuit of silverware, days after a painful derby defeat.
Carrick previously worked within United’s coaching structure during a period when the club struggled to win trophies. He initially served under Jose Mourinho before continuing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer between 2018 and 2021 and later took temporary charge of the first team.
