Real Madrid now determined they can beat arch-rivals Barcelona in race for Man United wantaway before end of year

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Utd Report

·16 September 2026

Real Madrid now determined they can beat arch-rivals Barcelona in race for Man United wantaway before end of year

Real Madrid are adamant about trumping rivals Barcelona in pursuit of Manchester United’s wantaway JJ Gabriel.

MailSport has confirmed that the 15-time European champions are now plotting their move to secure the youngster’s signature.

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JJ Gabriel: What’s happened in the last 24 hours?

(Photo via club media)

It comes after news broke on Tuesday revealing Gabriel had informed United of his desire to leave with immediate effect.

The 15-year-old is keen to call time on his Red Devils career before he has even made his senior debut, which was expected to come in tonight’s Carabao Cup opener against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Huge news. JJ Gabriel on the verge of leaving @ManUtd. Breakdown in relationship between family and club. Man Utd not given up hope of turning the situation round. Gabriel has contract to end of season and was expected to make senior debut tomorrow night.
– Tuesday, 15 September 2026

However, Gabriel has been refusing to train this week, so he will be playing no part this evening.

It’s said that the final straw for him and his camp was watching fellow youth prospects Shea Lacey and Harry Amass make their Champions League debuts during last week’s win over Sabah.

Gabriel has sights set on Carrington exit

(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

United had reportedly outlined a clear career map for Gabriel’s path into the first-team and, given he is still so young and underdeveloped physically, they were keen on easing him into it rather than honouring his family’s demands and making him a regular in games.

Yet, his representatives are dissatisfied with what is being offered to him, hence now demanding he is de-registered from the squad.

Gabriel has recorded 31 goals and four assists in 38 appearances for the Under-18s, two goals and two assists in two appearances for the Under-21s and three goals in one appearance in the UEFA Youth League.

JJ GABRIEL WHAT A GOAL 🤯 pic.twitter.com/7S7q7RYU3D

Alas, it’s no surprise he is being targeted by some of the biggest clubs across the continent, but United must stand firm and not give in to the demands of a teenager and his father, even if it means he leaves.