Man Utd teen JJ Gabriel wants to leave amid father's influence

Manchester United's 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel has informed the club he wants to leave, a move sources describe as largely orchestrated by his father, Joe O'Cearuill. The teenager, who has been with United since age 11, has reportedly sent a formal notice to cancel his registration, which would make him a free agent. His contract runs until the end of the season, and due to his Irish passport, he could join a European club when he turns 16 in October. The news emerged on Tuesday, September 16, ahead of United's Carabao Cup match against Brighton, which the club lost 3-2. Manager Michael Carrick urged caution, stating, "We have to be a little bit careful on that one. He's a 15-year-old boy. It's more about the welfare, the care and the attention of JJ as a child really." Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, speaking on The Overlap podcast, admitted he had not heard of Gabriel before the story broke. He suggested the timing may have been linked to the player's exclusion from the squad for the Brighton match, though United sources indicated he was expected to be included.