Highly-rated 15-year-old striker JJ Gabriel is on the verge of leaving Manchester United.
Even though he was only 14 when the season began, he won the Premier League Under-18 player of the year award last term, in addition to being named United’s Under-18 player of the year.
He made his senior debut for United in their pre-season game against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm last month, scored a hat-trick on his Uefa Youth League debut last week and had been expected to make his competitive bow in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Brighton.
The precise issues have not been outlined but it is understood Gabriel did not train with Michael Carrick’s squad at the end of last week amid issues in the relationship between the player’s family and United.
The club have not yet given up hope of resolving the situation given Gabriel has a contract that runs to the end of the season. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are directly involved in discussions with the player’s family, which underlines how seriously the club regard the situation.
United sources say they are not sure what has led to the situation developing the way it has.
Gabriel has sent a formal notice he wants to cancel his registration with immediate effect. United can challenge the request.
Gabriel does not turn 16 until 6 October, when he would be able to sign a scholarship agreement.
Born in London, Gabriel scored twice on his debut for United’s Under-18 side when he was just 14.
He was an integral part of the United side that reached both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 finals last season.
Gabriel moved into the club’s Premier League 2 squad this season and scored sensational goals in his first two games.