Man Utd hint over JJ Gabriel’s future spotted in matchday programme amid wonderkid’s transfer saga

MANCHESTER UNITED have dropped a hint over JJ Gabriel’s future in the matchday programme. United take on Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup, and Gabriel has not made it to the starting xi or the subs bench. JJ Gabriel is thought to want to leave Man Utd Credit: Getty Gabriel has the nickname ‘kid Messi’ Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Earlier this week it was reported that the 15-year-old was looking at a move away, with Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all interested. But the programme shows United have included the youngster in the squad list, and are thought to want to keep the starlet. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! The Manchester club were stunned by Gabriel asking to leave, as he is considered one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Carrington in years. London-born Gabriel previously spent time with Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham before joining United aged 11. His dazzling skills earned him the nickname “Kid Messi” after footage of him playing as a youngster went viral online – and he has since backed up the hype with a staggering goalscoring record. Gabriel enjoyed a sensational 2025-26 campaign, scoring 26 goals in 26 appearances across United’s youth teams. He was named the inaugural Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season and became the youngest-ever winner of United’s prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award. The forward has continued his rapid rise this season and underlined his enormous potential by scoring a HAT-TRICK on his Uefa Youth League debut in United’s 5-0 demolition of Sabah last week. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Gabriel has already trained extensively with United’s senior players and was taken on Michael Carrick’s first-team pre-season tour. . But his future is now in serious doubt following the shock request to leave. Gabriel turns 16 on October 6 and cannot sign professional terms until he is 17. Comment now