What steps Man Utd can now take with JJ Gabriel wanting to cancel contact

JJ Gabriel is on the verge of leaving Manchester United after a breakdown in the relationship between his family and the club.

Following a remarkable breakthrough at senior and youth level over the past year Gabriel has sent a formal notice he wants to cancel his registration with immediate effect.

United can challenge the request and if they disagree it would go to the Premier League to make a decision.

Gabriel does not turn 16 until 6 October, when he would be able to sign a scholarship agreement and he would be able to sign a professional contract at 17.

He has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in United’s academy and was named both the Premier League Under-18 Player of the Year and United’s Under-18 Player of the Year last season.

The forward was only 14 when the campaign began but quickly established himself as a key player for United’s Under-18 side, scoring twice on his debut at that level.

He went on to play an integral role as United reached both the Premier League Under-18 and FA Youth Cup finals.

Gabriel’s rapid progress continued this summer when he made his senior debut in United’s pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.

He then made a spectacular start to the new campaign, scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut last week after already making the step up to Premier League 2 football.

Gabriel had been expected to be involved in Michael Carrick’s squad for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, but his situation has now changed dramatically.

It is understood Gabriel did not train with Carrick’s first-team squad at the end of last week amid issues in the relationship between his family and United.

The precise reasons for the breakdown have not been outlined, while United sources have indicated they are unsure what has led to the situation developing in the way it has.

The club have not given up hope of resolving the matter, however, with Gabriel’s current contract running until the end of the season.

If the case goes to the Premier League it will be down to them to consider the case and make a binding decision.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are directly involved in discussions with Gabriel’s family, underlining the seriousness with which United regard the situation.

The timing is particularly significant given Gabriel’s age. He does not turn 16 until October 6, when he would be able to sign a scholarship agreement.

The London-born striker has already made an extraordinary impression despite his young age, including scoring two spectacular goals in his first two Premier League 2 appearances this season.

For a player who only recently became eligible to play senior football, Gabriel’s rise has been remarkably rapid.

United now face a battle to prevent one of the brightest young talents to emerge from their academy in recent years from walking away just as his pathway towards the first team appeared to be opening up.