TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Manchester United are facing the prospect of losing one of their most highly rated young talents, 15-year-old striker JJ Gabriel. The teenager has been tipped for a major future after an impressive rise through United’s academy.
How is JJ Gabriel so highly rated?
According to the BBC, Gabriel was named both Premier League Under-18 Player of the Year and Manchester United’s Under-18 Player of the Year last season, despite being only 14 when the campaign began.
Born in London, he scored twice on his Under-18 debut and played a key role as United reached both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 finals. This season, he moved into the Premier League 2 squad and scored spectacular goals in his opening two games.
His standout qualities include quick feet, balance, technique and a willingness to take on defenders at close quarters. He also has the ability to quickly get his shot off. One United source recently described him as “the best 15-year-old in Europe,” while former interim boss Darren Fletcher said, “the world is his oyster.”
Gabriel has already made his senior debut, appearing for eight minutes against Atletico Madrid in pre-season. He then scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut, raising expectations that he would make his competitive first-team debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
What led to JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United Exit?
United had been working to retain Gabriel for some time. The club persuaded him to remain in the summer of 2025 after outlining a pathway towards the first team, including opportunities to train with senior players.
However, his limited involvement during pre-season appears to have contributed to tensions. Gabriel was part of four of United’s five pre-season squads but played only once, while other academy players received more opportunities.
United also missed an opportunity to use Gabriel in their Champions League match against Sabah FK. Because he was still 15, UEFA registration rules meant he needed to be included on the club’s A list to play. He was not included, while another young attacker, Tynan Thompson, was.
Gabriel has now formally asked to cancel his United registration with immediate effect. The club can challenge the request, and senior figures including chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox are involved in talks with Gabriel’s family. United have not yet given up hope of resolving the situation.
Could JJ Gabriel’s departure echo Pogba’s?
Gabriel’s potential departure has drawn comparisons with Paul Pogba, although the circumstances and ages are different. Pogba left United in 2012 at 19 after feeling he would not receive enough first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He joined Juventus before returning to United in 2016 for 89 million poundsterling, which remains the club’s record transfer fee.
If Gabriel is allowed to leave, United could again face the prospect of watching a highly rated academy product develop elsewhere. FIFA's training compensation scheme would provide United with some financial benefit, but the club would clearly prefer to keep a player it has regarded as an exceptional talent.
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