'Kid Messi' Plans To Leave Old Trafford For Unkown Reasons Days Before First-Team Call-Up

Manchester United academy prospect JJ Gabriel, 15, has reportedly asked to cancel his registration with the club with immediate effect, just days before he was expected to receive his first senior call-up.

Gabriel had been in line to feature against Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford, in what would have been his competitive senior debut. The teenager's reported decision has left club officials 'shocked and confused', according to sources, with United said to remain unclear about the precise reasons behind his request.

Family Talks Stall Amid Growing Tensions

Discussions between Gabriel's family and Manchester United are understood to have stalled after tensions developed over his progress towards the first team. The precise source of the disagreement has not been made public. However, reports suggest Gabriel and his representatives had expected a quicker move into senior football.

The youngster was given only eight minutes during a pre-season friendly against Atlético Madrid in Stockholm. He was also left out of United's UEFA Champions League squad for the match against Sabah FK.

Under UEFA registration rules, players aged 15 cannot be included on the B list until they turn 16. They can still play if they are named on a club's official 25-man A list. United did not include Gabriel on that list, meaning he could not play in the fixture. The decision reportedly denied him the opportunity to become the club's youngest-ever player.

Club Points to Efforts Over Pathway

Manchester United officials believe the club had made clear efforts to support Gabriel's development and provide a route into the senior squad. Meetings were reportedly arranged for Gabriel and his family with United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and former manager Ruben Amorim.

There were also concerns within the club over whether the teenager was physically ready for regular senior football. Those concerns reportedly followed a heavy tackle during pre-season.

The differing views over Gabriel's readiness are understood to have added to the tension between the player's camp and the club.

The dispute is also not believed to have emerged suddenly. Reports in 2025 suggested Gabriel's family had considered moving him away from Old Trafford, with Barcelona and Manchester City among the clubs linked with him.

Senior United executives became involved at the time, holding talks with the family in an effort to keep the youngster at the club. Gabriel has since reportedly stopped training with the squad before submitting his request to cancel his registration.

Executives Lead Talks To Resolve Dispute

Gabriel remains under contract with Manchester United until the end of the season, meaning the club does not believe his registration can simply be cancelled. United are reportedly challenging the request while attempting to resolve the situation through further talks.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are said to be directly involved in discussions with Gabriel's family. The pair were also involved in efforts to keep him at the club during the previous dispute.

Youngster's Rise Marked by Trophies and Praise

Gabriel has quickly established a reputation within United's academy and has already collected several individual awards. He was named Premier League Under-18 Player of the Year and also won United's Under-18 and Academy Player of the Year award. He received the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year prize as well.

The teenager also scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah FK. His performances have attracted praise from former United players.

Rio Ferdinand has highlighted Gabriel's ability to shoot with both feet and create space quickly. He also pointed to the youngster's willingness to cope with physical pressure despite his slight frame.

Ryan Giggs described Gabriel as a 'generational talent' during an appearance on Ferdinand's podcast. The former Wales and United winger also said the club's history of developing young players made it a strong environment for his progress.

Gabriel cannot sign a scholarship agreement with United until he turns 16. A full professional contract would not be possible until he reaches 17. Should his request to cancel his registration be accepted, reports suggest he could attract interest from several major European clubs.