Michael Carrick has not given up hope of keeping Gabriel, who is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the world, at the club and talks with the teenager and his family are ongoing.
Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in the wonderkid, who was in line to make his first-team debut in United’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton last Wednesday before the news broke.
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The forward has five goals and two assists in just three games this campaign, with European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich also lining up to get his signature.
Gabriel has already been capped 10 times by England at youth level, most recently playing for the Under-17 side in March.
At United, he has frequently played in age groups above him and after a bright start to this season, it was thought he may even get a call-up to Lee Carsley’s England U21 squad for the September/October international break.
Gabriel has already played at England U17 level (Photo: Getty)
But that has not happened. In fact, when the England U21, U20, U19, U18 and U17 squads were announced on Friday, Gabriel’s name was nowhere to be seen.
The Telegraph report that England had hoped to call up the wonderkid, but amid the transfer saga, there are concerns he may not be in the best physical or mental condition to go on international duty.
All parties are said to be in contact over the situation, with Gabriel’s well-being the top concern.
Just how good is JJ Gabriel?
There is good reason for the hype around JJ Gabriel. The teenager is considered to be the most exceptional young talent to progress through United’s youth ranks in recent years and across the game at youth level, he is regarded as the best player in the country born in 2010.
In addition to those Messi comparisons, his ability to effortlessly take the ball on the turn has seen him likened to Phil Foden, who progressed through the youth academy over the way at Manchester City.
Under the guidance of United’s Under-18 boss Darren Fletcher, he has developed into a lethal goal scorer, with the skill and variety in his finishing heightening the expectation around him.
Gabriel has shone at youth level (Picture: Getty)
Football is littered with stories of unique talents failing to make the step up to men’s football with some of United’s brightest young talents failing to make the grade. Angel Gomes, who currently holds the record of United’s youngest Premier League player in history, has carved out a decent career for himself in France having also been recognised at international level, but made just 10 more appearances for United after his debut. Shola Shoretire, the youngest player to represent the club in European competition, is currently playing for Greek outfit PAOK.
But the situation with Gabriel has felt very different. United hope the situation can still be rectified – but no matter how enormous the talent, the club cannot be seen being held to ransom by a schoolboy – or whoever is making decisions on his behalf.
Barcelona’s interest in him has already been well-documented and the teenager holds an Irish passport through his dad, former Republic of Ireland international Joe O’Cearuill, meaning any move abroad would be free of any Brexit red tape.
Tony Mogan, live sports editor
Born in England, Gabriel is also eligible to play for Cyprus through his mother and the Republic of Ireland through his father, who it is said is behind the drive to leave United.
Many other United stars will be playing for the Young Lions over the next few weeks, including Shea Lacey, Ayden Heaven and Harry Amass for the U20s.
