Manchester United will fight to keep JJ Gabriel after shock transfer request | OneFootball

Arsenal and Manchester City have previously be interested in the wonderkid

Manchester United believe they can convince 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel to stay at the club despite his shock demand to stay.

Standard Sport understands United have been taken aback by Gabriel’s decision, and had planned to include the teenage sensation in their first-team matchday squad for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton. It remains to be seen if those plans will now change.

Gabriel, who has been has at United since he was 11, has asked the club to cancel his registration so he can become a free agent.

United are able to challenge Gabriel’s request, while Premier League rules state that all parties - the club, player and their parent or carer - must agree to the cancellation for it to be valid.

“During your child’s registration period, their registration may only be cancelled if everyone agrees (the club, player and parent/carer),” the Premier League rules read.

“If the parties don’t agree, then any one person involved can also ask the Premier League to provide a binding decision on a termination request.”

United are not believed to view the situation as irretrievable, given Gabriel’s contract situation. He is unable to sign a professional contract until he turns 17, or a scholarship agreement until he turns 16 on October 6.

Gabriel is considered a one-of-a-kind talent and became the youngest recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last season.

Standard Sport understands that the young winger does not have another club lined up should he leave United, but a host of teams, including Arsenal and Manchester City, have been credited with interest in the past.