After JJ Gabriel requested to depart Manchester United as soon as possible, his reasoning for wanting to leave the club has emerged
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town at Leigh Sports Village on August 24, 2026 in Leigh, England
JJ Gabriel is looking to leave Manchester United(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Manchester United's struggles over the last 13 years reportedly prompted JJ Gabriel and his representatives to push for an exit. Last week, the 15-year-old stunned the Reds by requesting de-registration from the club, which would essentially make him a free agent.
He and his family have already flown out to Barcelona to hold talks with the club and have also been in touch with Real Madrid. Gabriel refused to train with the first team last week ahead of the League Cup loss to Brighton and Hove Albion, where he was expected to be in the squad.
Since the transfer saga began, he has not trained with any of the United teams he is involved in. As the situation develops, his reasoning for wanting to leave has emerged.
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According to the Daily Mail, the way United have fallen behind many of Europe's heavyweights since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 is the main reason behind their motivations.
A source close to the family reportedly told the outlet that the Reds are now "far away" from the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and fierce rivals Manchester City. They also added that they want Gabriel to "learn from the best" to maximize his talents.
The source also added: "His dad has ambitions for his son to be the best in the world and play with the best and learn from the best and right now that's not current situation at United - far from it."
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson watches from the stands before the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage in London, on September 20, 2026
Gabriel and his representatives believe United have flat-lined and fallen behind the competition since Alex Ferguson's retirement(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
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Moreover, there was anger and frustration that he was not included in the squad for United's 4-0 home victory over Sabah in the Champions League.
The original plan was for him to sign a first-year scholarship when he turned 16. This would have immediately led to a first professional contract, effective on his 17th birthday.
Instead, he is currently away from United's development teams and the first team. His current arrangement at the club expires at the end of the season.
Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel of Manchester United is pictured before the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland
Gabriel is yet to make an appearance with the first team(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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United are refusing to tear up the deal. There is the possibility of Gabriel and his representatives forcing United's hand by taking the club to a tribunal with FIFA or the Premier League.
United manager Michael Carrick has been trying to put a lid on the situation by reminding the football world Gabriel is still only 15. He said: "He's a young boy, JJ, and I think it's important that we certainly don't play anything out here.
"I think the exposure and the scrutiny and everything, you've got to be careful and be sensible and think of him as much as anything. So the situation will work itself out, whatever way it's going to work itself out. Making sure he's okay is the important thing."