JJ Gabriel: No reconciliation in sight for rift with Manchester United

JJ Gabriel appeared in Manchester United’s official team photograph this season, but the club and the young forward have not resolved their dispute. The photos were taken on 8 September, shortly before he told United he intended to leave.

United still holds Gabriel’s registration. People close to the club say it has made several efforts to repair the relationship, citing its responsibility to support the teenager, but those attempts have not succeeded.

According to sources, Gabriel’s decision was prompted by his exclusion from United’s squad for a Champions League match against Sabah FK on 10 September. He scored three goals for the club’s youth side against Sabah earlier that day.

United officials reportedly expected Gabriel might feature against Brighton in the EFL Cup on 16 September. By then, however, he had informed the club of his plans and had left the country. He has not returned to United since.

The club says it offered him support including meetings with senior coaches and nutrition staff, and sought permission for his shirt to carry the name “JJ Gabriel.” No other club has approached United, but it says it would consider legal action if evidence emerged of an improper effort to persuade him to move.