Teenage Sensation JJ Gabriel on the Verge of Leaving Manchester United

Highly rated 15-year-old striker JJ Gabriel looks set to leave Manchester United, with the club scrambling to resolve a breakdown in the relationship between his family and the club.

Gabriel has already made a big impression at United despite his age. He was named Premier League Under-18 Player of the Year last season, despite still being just 14 when the campaign began, and also picked up United's own Under-18 Player of the Year award. He made his senior debut in United's pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm last month and scored a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut just last week. He had been expected to make his first competitive appearance in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Brighton.

The exact reasons behind the situation have not been made public, but it is understood Gabriel did not train with Michael Carrick's squad towards the end of last week amid growing tension between his family and the club.

United have not given up on resolving things, especially given Gabriel is under contract until the end of the season. Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are said to be personally involved in talks with the player's family, a sign of how seriously the club is taking the matter. Sources at United say they are not entirely sure what has caused the situation to escalate the way it has.

Gabriel has now sent formal notice that he wants to cancel his registration with immediate effect, though United retain the right to challenge that request. He does not turn 16 until October 6, the date from which he would be eligible to sign a scholarship agreement with the club.

Born in London, Gabriel has been turning heads since he was 14, scoring twice on his debut for United's Under-18 side. He played a key role in the club's run to both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 finals last season, before stepping up to the Premier League 2 squad this season, where he has scored spectacular goals in each of his first two games.