Manchester United have been rocked by the exit request of JJ Gabriel, who could have featured in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United arrives in Stockholm for a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid on July 31, 2026 in Stockholm
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United(Image: Getty)
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Manchester United are still reeling from their defeat to Manchester City as they prepare to take on Brighton in the Carabao Cup. But JJ Gabriel has rubbed salt into their wounds by requesting to leave the club.
Having qualified for the Champions League, manager Michael Carrick was shown some faith in the summer window. His midfield has been revolutionised by the arrivals of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.
But with four Premier League games gone already this season, United have just four points, having picked up one win, a draw and two losses - the latest coming against 10-man Manchester City on Sunday, who bested them 1-0.
It's Baleba's old side, Brighton, up next, but club legend Wayne Rooney has expressed some doubt over United's summer business. Gabriel's exit request has further rocked the boat, as The Manchester Evening News brings you the latest updates from Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney questions transfer
United icon Rooney has cast doubt over Carrick and the club's summer recruitment strategy, taking particular aim at the acquisition of Santos from Chelsea. Speaking on Stick to United following the City defeat, Rooney said: "We need to be a bit more clever with the players we're bringing in.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney is far from impressed with his former side(Image: Stick to United)
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"What I don't understand is that we've signed Tielemans and Santos and then we signed Baleba, who I think is a good signing. But then you've got Santos on the bench. So then, when Baleba is fit, is Tielemans gonna go to the bench? Is [Kobbie] Mainoo gonna go to the bench?
"Then you'd have two players you've brought in [benched] or one of your younger players who has probably been United's best player over the last couple of games in Mainoo, on the bench.
"If that's the case, if Carrick doesn't fancy Santos for whatever reason, that signing has still been made, so why has that money not been used on full-backs or another striker?"
JJ Gabriel's request
Elsewhere, United have been left stunned after Gabriel, who was set to be given a place on the bench and might even have made his competitive bow against the Seagulls, has requested to leave. Gabriel's request surfaced on Tuesday afternoon and he refused to train with the club in a bid to force through a departure.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring his teams third goal during the U18 Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Liverpool
Gabriel wants to leave(Image: Getty)
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Had he officially featured against Brighton, he would have become United's youngest-ever player. Club officials have been left baffled by the development and remain unclear as to what has prompted this desire to leave.
Gabriel has been at United since the age of 11. Despite this, the club believes the situation can be resolved. It is understood that Gabriel cannot be deregistered, regardless of his request.
He cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17, or a scholarship agreement until he turns 16, but under current regulations, he remains registered to United until at least the end of this campaign.
Director Jason Wilcox was required to intervene when Gabriel previously sought to leave the club in 2025 and he was persuaded to remain. Gabriel could pursue a move abroad upon turning 16, as he holds an Irish passport. Barcelona have a strong interest in the youngster, whilst clubs across both Germany and England will undoubtedly be on red alert.