Manchester United have been left surprised after 15-year-old prospect JJ Gabriel reportedly requested to leave the club. The news comes just a day before he was expected to be included in the first-team squad for the Carabao Cup third-round match against Brighton on Wednesday.
Gabriel, who has been with United since he was 11, could have become the club's youngest player in the upcoming Old Trafford fixture. The Guardian understands he has asked for his registration to be cancelled.
United officials are reportedly unsure of the reasons behind Gabriel's decision. The club believes the situation is rectifiable, stating that Gabriel has a contract until the end of the season and cannot be deregistered despite his request. He is unable to sign a professional contract until he turns 17 next October, but can sign a scholarship agreement when he turns 16.
Gabriel has been a standout talent at Carrington, scoring a hat-trick on his Uefa Youth League debut last week and 26 goals in 29 games last season. He is also the youngest winner of United’s Jimmy Murphy young player of the year award and has regularly trained with the first team.