Image credit: Action Images/Andrew Boyers
Manchester United fans may know their teenage wonderkid as JJ Gabriel, but it has now emerged that is NOT his real name.
The Red Devils were stunned after it emerged that the 15-year-old sensation is pushing to leave Old Trafford immediately, having made a formal request to be deregistered by the club having grown annoyed at a lack of first-team opportunities, despite his age.
GMS sources understand the player was set to be involved in the squad for the EFL Cup clash against Brighton on Wednesday night, which would have put him in line to become the club's youngest-ever first-team player. But those plans have been sidelined after his request, with the player ultimately refusing to train as he pushes to leave.
Several top clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Chelsea, are understood to be showing an interest in the young forward, but Man Utd are hopeful of convincing him to stay, and are confident that he is under contract at Old Trafford until next summer.
But with his demand to leave becoming public knowledge, it has led to plenty of news about the youngster entering the mainstream media, including the fact that JJ Gabriel is not his real name.
Gabriel, who became the youngest player to ever win the illustrious Jimmy Murphy Award at Man Utd last season, is of Irish, English, Cypriot, and Trinidadian descent, and it has now been revealed what his real name is.
Type a player name in the box below to reveal each answer
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
Why JJ Gabriel Changed His Name
Image credit: Action Images/Andrew Boyers
According to a report by The Sun, JJ Gabriel's real name is Joseph Junior Andreou O’Cearuill.
His father, Joe O'Cearuill, was a former journeyman footballer who had spells at Arsenal and Brighton during his career. He was also capped twice by the Republic of Ireland in 2007.
Joe currently serves as his son's agent and is believed to be one of the main factors in the player pushing for an exit from Old Trafford. And it has now emerged that he opted to change his son's name in order to make him 'more brandable', according to one source.
Gabriel has played up several year groups at Man Utd for a number of seasons, and registered 31 goals in 38 appearances for the Under-18's last season despite only turning 15 midway through the campaign.
This season, he has started well with two goals and two assists for the Under-21s in just two appearances, while he also scored a hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League.
Given the nickname 'kid Messi' for his unbelievable quality, he is considered to be one of the best young footballers in world football, and it would be a huge blow for Man Utd if he is successful in getting his wish to leave.