Man Utd face race against time to resolve JJ Gabriel future as major financial blow emerges

Manchester United have been set a deadline to convince wantaway 15-year-old JJ Gabriel to stay at the club.

Gabriel, whose real name is Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel, informed United of his intention to leave last week, requesting that his registration be terminated.

Since then, he and his representatives have engaged in talks with Barcelona and Real Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern retain interest in ‘Kid Messi’.

United remain hopeful they can convince Gabriel to perform a U-turn and stay at Old Trafford.

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Man Utd face tight JJ Gabriel deadline

On Tuesday (September 22), the Daily Mail issued an update on the saga, explaining how United have just 14 days to convince Gabriel.

In two weeks’ time, on October 6, Gabriel will celebrate his 16th birthday, which, in turn, means he will be allowed to sign with an agent and join an EU-based club through his Irish passport.

United have reportedly already refused to terminate the player’s registration. All three parties – the club, the player and the parent/carer – must agree before a child’s registration can be ripped up.

Premier League rules state: “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.”

If United block a potential move, then Gabriel may launch an appeal to the Premier League or FIFA.

Gabriel has not been seen at United since scoring a hat-trick in a UEFA Youth League win over Sabah on September 10.

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Why does JJ Gabriel want Man Utd exit?

It is said that the reason for Gabriel’s stance is linked to the idea that United are falling behind Europe’s biggest teams.

A previous report from the Mail read: “Daily Mail Sport understands that the decline of United since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson has been the driving force behind Gabriel's family seeking an exit. United have not won a Premier League title since 2013.

“A source close to the family explained that United are 'far away' from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, as well as domestic rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, and that they want him to 'learn from the best' to maximise his talents.”

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United head coach Michael Carrick, who handed Gabriel his first senior appearance during pre-season, has been quick to explain how the teenager’s future should be treated with care, while making clear that the player’s welfare is United’s priority.

The Old Trafford club may receive as little as £300,000 in compensation should Gabriel join a Premier League rival – although this would be subject to a tribunal.