There is now an incredible twist to the JJ Gabriel situation at Manchester United.
The 15-year-old wonderkid was included in United’s official 2026/27 squad photo alongside the first team, despite being only 15 at the time. The picture was taken on September 8, just days before Gabriel and his family formally asked for his registration to be cancelled. (Sky Sports)
That photo now feels completely different.
United were clearly trying to show Gabriel that he was not being forgotten. He was being placed right alongside senior players, training with the first team during pre-season and even featuring in a friendly against Atlético Madrid. The club also had an individual development plan involving first-team coaches and performance staff. (Sky Sports)
For a teenager who had been at Carrington since the age of 11, it looked like United were sending a huge message: there is a pathway for you here.
Gabriel had also been making serious noise at youth level. He scored 26 goals in 29 games last season and then announced himself again with a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League against Sabah. (The Guardian)
But despite all of that, the relationship has dramatically changed.
Reports say Gabriel’s camp wanted him to receive more first-team opportunities, while United believed his development and welfare had to be carefully managed because of his age. That difference in expectations eventually became a major issue. (Sky Sports)
And now comes the heartbreaking part.
The same young player United were putting into their official first-team photo could be heading out of Old Trafford.
His future remains uncertain, with major European clubs reportedly monitoring the situation, while United are still hoping they can somehow convince him and his family to stay. (Sky Sports)
Imagine looking back at that squad photo years from now. Gabriel could have been standing there at 15, surrounded by the Manchester United first team, with the club believing he had a future at Old Trafford.
Now, that picture could become a reminder of what might have been.
United believed they had shown him the pathway.
Gabriel’s camp clearly wanted a faster route.
And that difference could end one of the most exciting academy stories at Carrington before it even truly begins.
