Manchester United have been left stunned after 15-year-old academy star JJ Gabriel formally requested to leave the club, just days after scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut.
Gabriel had been expected to be included in Michael Carrick’s squad against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, potentially becoming United’s youngest-ever player. He had already made his unofficial first-team debut against Atletico Madrid in pre-season.
United reportedly do not know what triggered the decision and remain hopeful of resolving the situation. Gabriel is still registered with the club, while Premier League rules require agreement between the club, player and parent/carer to cancel his youth registration.
The teenager scored more than 20 goals for the U18s last season and became the youngest winner of United’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award. Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have previously been linked with him.
From a potential first-team debut to asking to leave just days later… What is going on at Old Trafford?
