Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel has been at the centre of attention since requesting to leave the club last month. The 15-year-old asked for his registration to be cancelled, a request United refused.
Gabriel scored 26 goals in 29 games for United's academy last season and won the U18 Premier League Player of the Season award. He is yet to make his first-team debut but featured for Michael Carrick's side during pre-season.
Carrick's caution
Carrick urged caution over the situation. "I'll just repeat what I said: he's a young boy, it's important we don't put anything out here, the exposure and scrutiny we have to be careful," Carrick said. "We have to be sensible and think about him. The situation will work itself out."
Gabriel could have made his senior debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup last month but was left out after requesting to leave, prompting speculation over moves to Barcelona and Real Madrid.
U-turn on social media ban
Shortly before his request emerged, Gabriel wiped his Instagram account of all posts in September. He later restored three posts, including two showing him signing Nike deals in 2021 and 2025, the latter described as a long-term contract. The other showed him receiving his U18 Player of the Season award alongside Alan Shearer.
The teenager also shared training footage on his Instagram stories, originally posted by coach Jack Hunter, with whom he works individually.
Barcelona hint and Man Utd deadline
Gabriel has recently spent time training in Barcelona, working with Hunter and other specialist coaches in Castelldefels. He has not trained at United's Carrington base since submitting his request. His family is reportedly keen for him to join Barcelona, with Real Madrid also linked.
United face a race against time before Gabriel turns 16 on Tuesday. At that age, he could join a club abroad, as the England U17 international holds a European passport. United cannot offer him a professional contract until his 17th birthday and cannot stop him from heading abroad.
Barcelona sporting director Deco downplayed the club's interest. "There's nothing to say about this boy," Deco said. "It's normal that players are linked with us. It always happens. There's a huge market for that with a lot of interests involved, even when [players] are young. But we are not interested in any player in his situation. I'm not sure what's happening, and if he's still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that. First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. To speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business."
