A shocking report has emerged from the Carrington training ground, where 15-year-old rising star JJ Gabriel considered one of the finest youth talents Manchester United has ever produced has shocked club executives by requesting an immediate deregistration.
Gabriel, whose talent has been compared to the legendary Class of '92, submitted an official notice through his management team to the Red Devils' top hierarchy. If his request is granted, it would make him a free agent immediately.
This move came as a surprise to everyone at the club. The youngster put on a stunning performance last season, scoring 23 goals in 23 games in the U18 league and winning the U18 Youth Player of the Year award. Following his promotion to the U21 side this season, he continued his impressive form by scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League, alongside two goals and two assists in the PL2 season.
A source close to the club revealed that United executives spared no effort in mapping out a clear pathway for him into the senior team.
Gabriel had already met with former manager Ruben Amorim in his office and featured in Michael Carrick’s squad during pre-season fixtures this season.
The source added, "In fact, Gabriel was set to be included in the squad to face Brighton this Wednesday, which would have given him the chance to make history as the youngest player ever to wear the United shirt in a professional match at his age. However, that opportunity collapsed as a result of his request."
The source said: "Under football regulations, clubs cannot sign a player to a professional contract until they turn 17. Gabriel will turn 16 on October 6, the date he becomes eligible to sign a scholarship agreement. This means United cannot simply deregister him easily, so there is a possibility the club will leverage his current contract which runs until the end of this season to resolve the issue."
Meanwhile, several clubs across England and Europe are keeping a close watch on how this standoff between the Red Devils and the talented youngster unfolds.