The truth behind JJ Gabriel's inclusion in Man Utd squad photo as remarkable family request emerges

He may have been included in Manchester United's official team photo for the 2026-27 season but it appears JJ Gabriel's time at the club is coming to an end, according to a new report.

Gabriel, who turned 16 on Tuesday (October 6), can be seen standing next to Tom Heaton and Harry Amass in the picture that was taken on September 8.

It has since emerged that Gabriel and his representatives informed United officials of his ambition to leave just days later, with a lack of minutes being a major contributor to the much-talked-about decision. In fact, Gabriel and his family requested he feature for 'at least' 20 minutes against Sabah, Brighton and Bournemouth, according to ESPN.

JJ Gabriel representatives demanded more minutes before talks

The forward did not feature in that Champions League game against Sabah as he was ineligible. Instead, he became the youngest United player to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League.

Gabriel's family are also said to have demanded he feature against Brighton, a game he was pencilled to feature in before representatives demanded United cancel his registration over playing time.

READ MORE: JJ Gabriel's dad was on the books of two Premier League clubs during playing career

JJ Gabriel is pushing to leave United. Image credit: Getty

They also wanted him to record minutes against Bournemouth in the Premier League on October 25 before entering discussions over a scholarship.

As mentioned above, JJ Gabriel's representatives are keen to find a new home for the teenage talent.

As well as a lack of first-team minutes, a report from the Daily Mail suggests the so-called 'decline of United since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson' is the driving force behind JJ Gabriel's ambition to move.

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.

They also want him to 'learn from the best' to maximise his talents but at the time of writing, United have not received a formal enquiry for Gabriel, despite reported interest from elsewhere.

Barcelona play down interest in JJ Gabriel

Barcelona have been linked with a move for Gabriel but the club's sporting director, Deco, issued a telling response to suggestions that the Catalan club are keen on the youngster.

Speaking to journalist Ben Jacobs, he said: "There's nothing to say about this boy. It's normal we always have players linked with us. There's a huge market for that, even when they [players] are young.

"We are not interested in any player in his situation. I am not sure what's happening, and if he's still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that."

Deco added: "First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. And to speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business."