JJ Gabriel asks to leave Man Utd

Sky Sports News understands JJ Gabriel has requested the cancellation of his registration; Man Utd are understood to be shocked by the request but believe the situation can be resolved; Gabriel had been in line to be involved in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, live on Sky

Manchester United's 15-year-old academy prodigy JJ Gabriel has asked to leave the club, Sky Sports News understands.

The highly-rated teenager and his representatives have sent formal notice to United's hierarchy requesting that his registration be cancelled with immediate effect, which would allow him to become a free agent.

The request has come as a major surprise to those at Carrington, with Sky Sports News understanding the club are mystified by the reasons behind Gabriel's decision.

Gabriel was involved in Michael Carrick's first-team plans during pre-season and Sky Sports News understands he was in line to feature in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton, live on Sky Sports.

Questions had already been raised after Gabriel removed all Manchester United-related content from his Instagram account several days ago.

The situation is not considered irretrievable, with United hopeful it can still be resolved given the timescale involved. Gabriel also cannot simply be deregistered by the club without the relevant process being followed.

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He joined United at the age of 11 and is regarded as one of the outstanding young talents to emerge from the club's academy.

Gabriel became the youngest winner of United's Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season after scoring more than 20 goals for the U18s.