JJ Gabriel asks Manchester United to cancel registration amid pathway dispute

Fifteen-year-old Manchester United forward JJ Gabriel has asked the club to cancel his registration amid a dispute over his expected pathway to the first team.

Reports from Yahoo Sports say Gabriel believes promises about first-team opportunities, particularly during pre-season, were not fulfilled. He was included in four squads but played only eight minutes.

Gabriel travelled to Norway for United’s match against Rosenborg on 24 July but did not play, despite head coach Michael Carrick making 11 substitutions. He was also omitted from United’s UEFA Champions League A-list for the match against Sabah FK.

United sources said Gabriel had been intended to feature against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. However, sources close to the player expressed doubt that he would take part.

The club says the situation can be resolved and that chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are involved in efforts to settle the matter. United also says it will not release Gabriel from a registration that runs until the end of the season.

Gabriel is described as a highly sought-after young forward, with interest from clubs across Europe. The available material does not confirm whether he will leave Manchester United or where he could move.