The deadline has passed for JJ Gabriel to break a 70-year-old Manchester United record as his transfer saga continues.
Record Opportunity Missed
The 16-year-old would have become the club's joint youngest-ever player if he had featured against Bournemouth on Sunday, equalling David Gaskell's record. The former goalkeeper was just 16 years and 19 days old when he made his debut in the 1956 FA Charity Shield.
This record has stood ever since, but Gabriel was hailed as the next fresh face to challenge this in United colours. Fans believed they would see the teenager step out at Old Trafford for the senior side this season, but he handed in an exit request last month, disrupting Michael Carrick's plans.
Departure Plans and Club Stance
With each passing game, Gabriel grew further apart from the team as he trained individually in Barcelona, planning to join a European club. Now, he is 16 years and 20 days old, meaning the deadline has passed for the youngster to break Gaskell's longstanding record.
United fell to yet another Premier League defeat under Carrick as the Cherries ran out 3-0 winners at Old Trafford. Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson were all on the scoresheet as the club lost their third league game so far and slipped to just one point above the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, United are refusing to terminate Gabriel's academy registration, which prevents an easy departure for the teenager. The 16-year-old has been linked with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona, where he has been training away from Carrington.
Growing Pressure on Carrick
While the club are putting up any obstacles they can, it is growing increasingly likely that they will lose Gabriel for a minimal fee and will be forced to bid farewell to an impressive talent.
There may be even more goodbyes set this week as pressure continues to mount on Carrick following the Bournemouth defeat. After clapping the supporters chanting his name as he departed the Old Trafford pitch, the struggling manager admitted he will only do what is best for his club in the future.
When asked if he was expecting the sack, Carrick said: "I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular to be honest, I’m carrying on as normal.
"I love this place and I’ll always do what I feel is going to be best for the football club, whatever decision is made on anything, really. That’s kind of it, I’m not expecting either way."
