Manchester United include rebellious teenage starlet in official first-team squad photo

Manchester United have included 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel in their official first-team squad photo for the 2026/27 season, despite severely strained relations and the young forward's ongoing push to leave the club, the Daily Mail reports. The photoshoot took place on September 8, just two days before Gabriel featured in his last match and formally informed the hierarchy of his desire to depart.

United have made several attempts to resolve the situation with the player and his family, but to no avail so far. Gabriel has not trained with the senior squad since declaring his intentions, though he remains officially registered with the club. Figures at Old Trafford believe they demonstrated clear faith in his future, having invited him to train with the first team during pre-season and handed him a senior run-out in a friendly against Atletico Madrid.

The core dispute revolves around pathway and first-team minutes. Gabriel's camp had been pushing for more immediate senior involvement, whereas United preferred a gradual development plan. The teenager was left out of the Champions League matchday squad to face Sabah, only to net a hat-trick later that day for the youth side against their Azerbaijani counterparts in the UEFA Youth League. According to Sky Sports, several of Europe's heavyweight clubs—including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich—are monitoring the situation closely.

Gabriel has established himself as one of the standout talents in United's academy, having been named the U18 Premier League Player of the Season last term. He turns 16 on October 6, a milestone that could streamline a move to an EU club courtesy of his Irish passport. However, no formal negotiations have taken place between Manchester United and any prospective suitors at this stage.