Youth star JJ Gabriel, 15, on brink of leaving Man Utd
September 15, 2026 15:42
Fifteen-year-old striker JJ Gabriel has submitted formal notice seeking to cancel his registration with Manchester United, a move that could see him leave the club unless United chooses to contest it. The forward did not take part in training with Michael Carrick’s squad at the end of last week amid reported difficulties in the relationship between his family and the club.
United say they remain hopeful of finding a resolution because Gabriel is under contract until the end of the season. The club also say they are unsure what has caused the situation to develop as it has.
KEY CONTEXT
- Gabriel is a highly rated youngster who was only 14 when the season began. He won the Premier League Under-18 player of the year award last term and was also named Manchester United’s Under-18 player of the year.
- He made a senior appearance in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm last month and scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut the following week.
- As a 14-year-old he scored twice on his United Under-18 debut and helped the club reach both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 finals last season.
- He has been promoted into United’s Premier League 2 squad this season and scored notable goals in his first two games.
- Gabriel turns 16 on 6 October, the age at which he would be eligible to sign a scholarship agreement.
WHY IT MATTERS
Gabriel has already demonstrated prolific finishing and rapid progression through United’s youth ranks, earning both club and league under-18 honours. If he departs while under contract, United would need to decide whether to challenge the registration cancellation to protect their investment; conversely, a resolution that keeps him at the club would allow him to continue the pathway that has seen him feature at multiple levels and in senior pre-season action.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Manchester United will formally contest Gabriel’s request to cancel his registration.
- Whether the reported breakdown in relations between the player’s family and the club can be repaired.
- The player’s status around 6 October, when he will be eligible to sign a scholarship agreement if he remains at the club.
KEY FACTS
- JJ Gabriel is 15 and was 14 at the start of the season.
- He has a contract with Manchester United running until the end of the season.
- He has sent formal notice to cancel his registration; United can challenge this.
- He scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut and made a pre-season senior appearance against Atletico Madrid.
- He won Premier League Under-18 player of the year and United’s Under-18 player of the year last term.