Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel asks to LEAVE Old Trafford but could still become Reds’ youngest ever player tomorrow

JJ GABRIEL officially wants out of Manchester United after filing a formal notice of intention. The 15-year-old wonderkid has asked to leave the Red Devils with immediate effect. JJ Gabriel officially wants out of Manchester United Credit: Alamy The unexpected move has left United fans gobsmacked at Gabriel’s wish to become a free agent Credit: Getty The unexpected move has left United fans gobsmacked at Gabriel’s wish to become a free agent. Gabriel – whose full name is Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel – would become the club’s youngest ever player if he makes his debut against Brighton at Old Trafford. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! And he is not rumoured to be in line to join another club. Nicknamed ‘Kid Messi’, the youngster has been with United since he was just 11 years old. But clubs are not permitted to hand out professional contracts until the player turns at least 17, or scholarship deals until they are 16. And Gabriel will not turn 16 until October 6. Despite the shocking news, United’s hands are not tied and they can challenge the starlet’s pleas to rip up his registration. Premier League rules stipulate that: “During your child’s registration period, their registration may only be cancelled if everyone agrees (the club, player and their parent/carer).” Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS United sources believe the situation can be rectified and have stressed he cannot be de-registered Credit: Getty Meanwhile, the rules say: “If the parties don’t agree, then any person involved can also ask the Premier League to provide a binding decision on a termination request.” United sources believe the situation can be rectified and have stressed he cannot be de-registered. Club figures are also baffled by the reports, less than a week after Gabriel scored a hat-trick in the Uefa Youth League. Well-placed sources have said Gabriel’s father, Joe O’Cearuill, has been challenging to deal with. O’Cearuill has deleted posts on his X account, having regularly trumpeted his son’s ability. Gabriel – who Ryan Giggs likened to Wayne Rooney – also wiped all posts from his Instagram account last week and his bio merely reads “@nikeuk athlete”. But it has been a bad week in M16 after their controversial 1-0 derby defeat on Sunday, as well as the major fan protests against United co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers. United head coach Michael Carrick gave Champions League debuts to 19-year-olds Harry Amass and Shea Lacey against Sabah last week. England youth international Gabriel joined the United academy in 2021 and last week celebrated his addition to the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year plaque on his Instagram account. A source at one of United’s rivals told Telegraph Sport: “This would be like Barcelona losing Messi before he had played for them. It would be huge.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. 2 comments2