Michael Carrick explains how Manchester United will handle JJ Gabriel after transfer reports | OneFootball

Youngster made shock request to leave Old Trafford this week

Michael Carrick has called on Manchester United to handle JJ Gabriel with care after the 15-year-old phenom asked to leave the club this week.

Gabriel, nicknamed ‘Kid Messi’, is widely considered to be one of England’s top prospects, and had been tipped to make his first-team debut as United hosted Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

Those plans were derailed, though, when the youngster made an out-of-the-blue request to leave the club and refused to train in the days ahead of the match.

United believe they can convince the player to stay, Standard Sport understands, but it is thought Gabriel and his entourage are pushing for him to leave as a free agent.

Speaking after Brighton dumped United out of the Carabao Cup, Carrick said he hoped United would prioritise the youngster’s personal wellbeing in their handling of the delicate situation.

"We have to be a little bit careful on that one,” he told Sky Sports.

“He's a 15-year-old boy. It's more about the welfare, the care and the attention of JJ as a child, really. He's certainly a young man.

Wantaway: JJ Gabriel

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“The situation is what it is, but we have to be careful about the exposure and how much we jump on that.”

The player’s future remains up in the air, though United will hope to resolve his situation as soon as possible with Barcelona and Real Madrid both said to be keen. Arsenal and Chelsea are also thought to hold an interest in him.

Gabriel has asked United to cancel his registration with the club, which would allow him to leave as a free agent. This can only happen with the express consent of all relevant parties, though.

The player will not be able to sign professional terms until he turns 17, or scholarship terms until he turns 16 in October.