JJ Gabriel is still expected to leave Manchester United this season despite featuring in the first-team squad photo, according to new reports from Sky Sports News.
Standard Sport reported last month that the 15-year-old wonderkid Gabriel, nicknamed Kid Messi, had made a shock request to be deregistered by United, a move which would allow him to leave the club as a free agent.
Family disappointed by lack of first-team chances
It is said his family are disappointed by his lack of first-team opportunities, despite the fact he had been set to appear in the matchday squad for United’s Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton the same week.
A number of clubs are said to be keen to take him on, but further confusion has been thrown on his future after United released its official team photo for the season.
Photo inclusion has no bearing on future
Gabriel features prominently in the photo as he stands near the middle of the image, between Harry Amass and Tom Heaton in the second row and directly behind Michael Carrick and Harry Maguire.
But according to new reports from Sky Sports News, Gabriel’s inclusion in the photo has no bearing on his future with the club and he is set to depart.
The photo was reportedly taken before Gabriel lodged his transfer request, and, in the weeks since, multiple attempts from the club to settle differences with his parents have proven unsuccessful. United are yet to hold talks with another club regarding his situation.
Family wanted 20 minutes in four matches
Sky’s report also claims Gabriel’s family had requested that he play at least 20 minutes in four United matches ahead of the international break, against Sabah in the Champions League, Brighton in the Carabao Cup, and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Speaking in September, Carrick urged United to handle Gabriel’s situation with care, pointing out the club has a duty of care to the 15-year-old.
“We have to be a little bit careful on that one,” he told Sky Sports.
“He's a 15-year-old boy. It's more about the welfare, the care and the attention of JJ as a child, really. He's certainly a young man.
“The situation is what it is, but we have to be careful about the exposure and how much we jump on that.”
