JJ Gabriel is still expected to leave Manchester United despite featuring in the club's squad photo for the 2026/27 season. Sky Sports News understands the picture was taken on September 8, when Gabriel was still at the club and expected to feature for the first team this season. It was just days later that Gabriel and his family then put in a formal request to leave.
Gabriel remains registered with United and multiple attempts have been made to reconcile the situation with the 15-year-old and his family, but no progress has been made. He has attracted interest from Europe's biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich. From United's perspective, they feel they have done all they can to show Gabriel and his family a clear pathway to the first team.
United point to Gabriel featuring in the first-team squad photo, training with the first team during pre-season, and making his debut against Atletico Madrid in a friendly. However, Gabriel and his family wanted more than the eight to nine minutes off the bench he received in that game. They also believe it was beneath him to report back with the U21s, pulling him out of that duty.
Despite a feeling from inside the club that the relationship was harmonious, there was a difference in opinion over how much he would feature. Gabriel and his family requested the 15-year-old play at least 20 minutes against Sabah in the Champions League, Brighton in the FA Cup, and Bournemouth in the Premier League on October 25.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing