Man Utd make major decision on JJ Gabriel future as Barcelona talks ramp up

Manchester United have reportedly decided whether they will accept JJ Gabriel’s request to terminate his registration.

Earlier this week, Gabriel, 15, informed United of his intention to leave the club, with reports suggesting that the player and his representatives feel let down by the club and believe promises of a pathway to the first team have not been kept.

A number of huge European clubs are said to be interested in the teenager, who made his senior debut for United in a pre-season friendly against Atlético Madrid over the summer.

Gabriel joined United as an 11-year-old and has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi, with supporters often dubbing him ‘Kid Messi’. The starlet travelled to Barcelona on Friday (September 18) to begin talks with the Catalan club.

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Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked with potential moves for the prospect, although a move to an English club is unlikely due to Premier League rules.

Gabriel cannot sign a professional contract under Premier League rules due to his age.

The rules state that players can only sign professional contracts when they turn 17 and put pen to paper on scholarships when they turn 16.

Gabriel turns 16 on October 6.

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Despite Gabriel asking for his registration to be cancelled, United do have the ability to challenge this, with the rules stating: “During your child’s registration period, their registration may only be cancelled if everyone agrees (the club, player and their parent/carer).”

The rules add: “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.”

Man Utd reject JJ Gabriel termination request

It appears that United have rejected his request. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, United have turned down Gabriel’s request to have his registration cancelled and remain defiant in their desire to keep him at the club.

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Gabriel, who is under contract at United until the end of the season, could move abroad when he turns 16 if he is granted an EU passport, which is a possibility due to his father’s Irish heritage.

Any move would still be subject to FIFA approval.

Michael Carrick speaks out on JJ Gabriel saga

Carrick has twice been forced to address the ongoing saga, with the United boss first offering his thoughts after United’s 3-2 Carabao Cup third-round defeat against Brighton on September 16.

“I just think we’ve got to be really careful of the whole situation, you know,” he said.

“He’s a young boy, he’s 15, and for me, definitely, and from a club point of view, is looking after our younger players, their welfare, their well-being, their exposure, and I think we’ve got to be really, all of us, I think we’ve got to be really conscious of that, really, in this situation.”

He added: “It’s more about the welfare, the care and the attention of JJ as a child, really.

“He’s certainly a young man.

“The situation is what it is, but we have to be careful about the exposure on that one.”

Carrick was once again pressed on the matter during a press conference on Friday.

“He’s a young boy, it’s important we don’t play anything out here,” he made clear.

“The exposure and scrutiny, we have to be careful, be sensible and think of him as much as anything. The situation will work itself out. Making sure he’s OK is an important thing.”

United return to action away at Fulham on September 20.