Michael Carrick's Manchester United squad to face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup does not include JJ Gabriel following the teenagers stunning request
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel told Manchester United he wants to leave(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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JJ Gabriel has not been included in Manchester United's squad to face Brighton in the Carabao Cup following the explosive news that he had asked to quit the club. The 15-year-old had been expected to be included at Old Trafford as he awaits his senior debut after featuring during pre-season.
But the decision has been taken not to include him among Michael Carrick's options on Wednesday evening. Despite the starlet sending formal notice of his desire to become a free agent, United believe the situation can be resolved.
Gabriel is not able to sign a professional contract until he turns 17, and scholarship agreements are not permitted until players turn 16. He remains registered to the club as Premier League rules require all parties to come to an agreement to end a registration period early.
“During your child’s registration period, their registration may only be cancelled if everyone agrees (the club, player and their parent/carer)," they 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," the rules add.
Last week, Gabriel wiped all of the images from his Instagram, leading to some concern. It has since emerged that Gabriel's father, Joe O'Cearuill, has taken issue with how United have handled his son's development, with three areas in particular proving problematic.
The Daily Mail reports that O'Cearuill wanted to see his son accelerated even faster to the first team picture, despite playing for the under-21 side at 15. There was also frustration that Gabriel was not included in squads to face Ipswich and Sabah, where some believed there was a suitable option for the youngster to make his first-team bow.
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel has requested to leave Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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JJ Gabriel has demanded to leave Man Utd
JJ Gabriel has demanded to leave Man Utd(Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Gabriel instead scored a hat-trick against Sabah's youth side as United thrashed their opponents 5-0 in the UEFA Youth League. The Red Devils had 44 shots to Sabah's zero.
Youngster Shea Lacey, 19, has been provided with the opportunity to star against the Seagulls. The winger did appear against Sabah in the Champions League for an 18-minute cameo and also featured for 10 minutes in defeat to Hull City after an impressive pre-season.
Carrick's full-back options have been diminished for the clash with neither Luke Shaw or Patrick Dorgu in the squad. Either Noussair Mazraoui or Diogo Dalot will start on the left with Harry Amass an option from the bench, after spending last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich.
Benhamin Sesko also comes into the lineup having been confined to substitute appearances in the Premier League. Big-hitters in the form of Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire all start from the bench.