JJ Gabriel makes causes for Man Utd exit clear amid Barcelona and Chelsea curiosity

JJ Gabriel has made it clear he wants to leave Manchester United and has asked to be de-registered to become a free agent, with the reasons behind his decision emerging

Manchester United’s demise over the last 13 years is reportedly behind JJ Gabriel and his camp looking to leave the club amid ongoing interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Last week, the 15-year-old shocked the Red Devils ahead of their Carabao Cup clash with Brighton by asking to be de-registered from the club, effectively making himself available as a free agent.

Gabriel had been in line to feature against the Seagulls and could have made his first team debut for the club, but he has not trained or featured for any of United’s youth teams since. Both he and his family have flown to Barcelona for discussions with the La Liga giants, while Real Madrid are also understood to be in contact with the youngster.

According to the Daily Mail, United’s fall from the summit of English football and demise in European competitions since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013, is the main factor driving their decision.

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A source close to the family allegedly informed the publication that the Red Devils are now “far away” from the standard set by Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and bitter rivals Manchester City. They also stated their desire for Gabriel to “learn from the best” to fulfil his potential.

The source also added: “His dad has ambitions for his son to be the best in the world and play with the best and learn from the best and right now that’s not current situation at United – far from it.” It’s claimed there was resentment and exasperation that he was omitted from the squad for United’s 4-0 home triumph over Sabah in the Champions League.

The initial strategy was for him to pen a first-year scholarship when turning 16. This would have automatically triggered a professional contract, taking effect on his 17th birthday. However, he’s currently separated from United’s academy sides and the senior team. His existing agreement at the club expires at the end of the current campaign.

United are not willing to rip up the arrangement and are hopeful that the situation with Gabriel and his advisors can be resolved, without dragging the club before a tribunal with FIFA or the Premier League.

United boss Michael Carrick has been attempting to contain the matter by emphasising to the footballing community that Gabriel remains just 15. He said: “He’s a young boy, JJ, and I think it’s important that we certainly don’t play anything out here.

“I think the exposure and the scrutiny and everything, you’ve got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything. So the situation will work itself out, whatever way it’s going to work itself out. Making sure he’s okay is the important thing.”