Highly-rated 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel is on the verge of leaving Manchester United. The player has sent a formal notice to cancel his registration with immediate effect, though the club can challenge this request.
Gabriel, who was named Manchester United's Under-18 Player of the Year and won the Premier League Under-18 Player of the Season award last term despite being only 14 at the start of the season, made his senior debut in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid. He also scored a hat-trick on his Uefa Youth League debut.
The precise issues leading to the potential departure have not been detailed, but it is understood Gabriel did not train with the squad late last week due to problems in the relationship between his family and the club. Manchester United has not given up hope of resolving the situation, as Gabriel's contract runs until the end of the season. Club sources indicate they are unsure what has led to the current circumstances.
Gabriel, born in London, joined the club's Premier League 2 squad this season and has scored notable goals in his initial appearances. He was a key player for the United side that reached both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 finals last season. Gabriel will turn 16 on October 6, at which point he would be eligible to sign a scholarship agreement.