Teenage forward JJ Gabriel, who celebrates his 16th birthday on Tuesday, features in Manchester United's official team photo for the current season, released on Monday. However, the inclusion offers no indication of a resolution to the ongoing dispute between the player and the club.
The photographs were reportedly taken on 8 September, just two days before Gabriel played his final game for the club and communicated his intention to depart Old Trafford. Sources close to the club indicate that United still hold his registration and have attempted to reconcile the situation, but these efforts have been unsuccessful.
Gabriel's decision to seek a move was reportedly prompted by his non-inclusion in Michael Carrick's squad for the Champions League match against Sabah FK on 10 September. He could not play in that match as he had not been registered on United's UEFA A list of players, the reasons for which have not been made clear. Gabriel is now a target for several top European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.