Man Utd information: JJ Gabriel exit plan as Wayne Rooney ‘would not perceive’ switch determination
Manchester United are set to host Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, but the Red Devils have been rocked by JJ Gabriel’s transfer request
Michael Carrick is fighting to get Manchester United back on track
Manchester United and their fans have been rocked by the decision of wonderkid JJ Gabriel to request to depart the club ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton.
Michael Carrick had intended to include the 15-year-old forward in his matchday squad for the visit of the Premier League side to Old Trafford on Wednesday night. But the prodigious teen refused to train ahead of the fixture and made it clear he wants to leave the club he has played for since the age of 11.
United have suffered a disappointing start to the season on and off the pitch with defeats to newly-promoted Hull City and bitter rivals Manchester City sandwiching wins over Ipswich Town and Sabah, along with a frustrating 2-2 draw with Everton. So they will be looking for some relief in the cup, with or without their brightest young talent in the ranks. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
JJ Gabriel wants to leave Manchester United(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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JJ Gabriel’s request
United have been left reeling after Gabriel, who was expected to earn a place on the substitutes’ bench and might even have made his competitive bow against the Seagulls, has requested to depart.
Gabriel’s demand surfaced on Tuesday afternoon and it is believed he declined to take part in training with the club in a bid to force through an exit, reports the Mirror.
He would have become United’s youngest-ever player had he officially made his debut against Brighton. Club bosses have been left stunned by the choice and remain uncertain about what has triggered this desire to depart.
Gabriel has been on United’s books since the age of 11.
Nevertheless, the club believes the situation can be resolved. It is understood Gabriel cannot be deregistered, despite his plea.
He is unable to pen a professional deal until he reaches 17, or a scholarship arrangement until he turns 16, but under existing regulations, he remains tied to United until at least the conclusion of this campaign.
Director Jason Wilcox was forced to intervene when Gabriel sought to leave the club in 2025 and he was persuaded to remain. Gabriel could relocate abroad when he reaches 16 as he possesses an Irish passport.
Barcelona maintain a strong interest in the youngster, though clubs across both Germany and England are certain to be monitoring developments closely.
Wayne Rooney questions transfer
Wayne Rooney speaks(Image: The Overlap)
Meanwhile, United icon Wayne Rooney has challenged Carrick and the club’s summer transfer choices, particularly the acquisition of Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
Speaking on Stick to United following the City defeat, Rooney said: “We need to be a bit more clever with the players we’re bringing in.
“What I don’t understand is that we’ve signed [Youri] Tielemans and Santos and then we signed [Carlos] Baleba, who I think is a good signing.
“But then you’ve got Santos on the bench. So then, when Baleba is fit, is Tielemans gonna go to the bench? Is [Kobbie] Mainoo gonna go to the bench?”.
“Then you’d have two players you’ve brought in [benched] or one of your younger players who has probably been United’s best player over the last couple of games in Mainoo, on the bench.
“If that’s the case, if Carrick doesn’t fancy Santos for whatever reason, that signing has still been made, so why has that money not been used on full-backs or another striker?”
