Manchester United have a major fear regarding JJ Gabriel's future after the highly rated 15-year-old forward requested his exit from Old Trafford.
The forward is understood to have formally notified officials that he wants to cancel his registration with immediate effect and become a free agent, after he was left out of United's opening Champions League match against Sabah last week.
Carabao Cup plans disrupted
The Red Devils had planned to include Gabriel in their matchday squad for their Carabao Cup third round clash against Brighton on Wednesday evening, where he could have become United's youngest ever player. With his decision, United are fearful he could join Manchester City.
According to The Sun, City are fearful the Etihad could be his destination, with Enzo Maresca's side among a number of clubs interested in his services. Chelsea and Barcelona are also said to be interested in his signature.
Interest from Spain
Gabriel has been with United since the age of 11, and his impressive performances at academy level have earned him comparisons to both Lionel Messi and Neymar. However, the wonderkid could join Messi's old rivals, Real Madrid, if he gets his wish and leaves United.
The Spanish giants are keen on beating arch rivals Barcelona to the signing of Gabriel, and the player's social media activity is a potential hint towards his stance. His Instagram account shows him following Real Madrid, their academy, and La Liga, as well as several members of Jose Mourinho's squad, including Alexander-Arnold, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, Denzel Dumfries, Yan Diomande, Dean Huijsen, Arda Guler, and Endrick. Gabriel also follows Real legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.
Due to owning an Irish passport, Gabriel will be eligible to join a team in Europe when he turns 16 next month. English players, in contrast, are not allowed to go abroad until they turn 18.
