JJ Gabriel causing dressing room issues at Man United - 'His teammates aren't happy'
JJ Gabriel may be causing issues among the Manchester United academy ranks as he pushes for a move away from Old Trafford.
The 15-year-old is currently asking for his registration to be terminated and to allow him to explore a move elsewhere, with a move to a European giant most likely as things stand.
Despite regularly training with the first-team squad under Michael Carrick, he has predominantly featured for the Under-21s, but that is believed to be causing issues behind the scenes.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Gabriel's teammates have grown frustrated with him despite his displays on the pitch.
His first-team ambitions, demands for more regular football, and now his desire to leave the club have amassed to claims that the teenager thinks he's "too good" for academy football.
That attitude is not believed to have gone down well with his teammates, adding to the suggestions that Man United may be better off without Gabriel despite his talent.
How do Man United feel about losing JJ Gabriel?
Football Insider revealed on 23 September that Man United are fighting a losing battle with regard to Gabriel's future as he edges closer to a move away from the club.
The 15-year-old is extremely highly rated at Old Trafford, where there is a belief he is the best player of his age in the country and will go on to achieve big things.
However, amid suggestions of unrest amongst his teammates and the decision to push for a move away, there is a feeling the club may be better off letting Gabriel go.
"There is the suggestion, of course, that Man United might be better off without JJ Gabriel," Brown told Football Insider.
"Regardless of his obvious talent, this situation has called into question his character and that of the people around him, and is that the type of player you want around the club?
"It's sad, because the boy is very talented and it's a shame how this situation has played out in recent times.
"Interestingly enough, since all of this has kicked off, I've watched him closely playing for the academy sides and one thing that interests me is his teammates' reactions.
"When somebody scores for the Under-21s, all the players go running over, they're jumping and hugging each other and all of that.
"But a few times when JJ Gabriel has scored, yes they go and celebrate with him, give him a high five, and then they all trot back and he doesn't seem to get the same reception.
"Now, I might be reading too much into it, but from my point of view I have to wonder whether his actions have caused issues in the dressing room.
"You know, he's training with the senior squad all the time and kicking up a fuss about not being in the first team, his teammates might be thinking; 'Are we not good enough for you?'
"It's an arrogance and attitude thing, even if he's the top scorer and the best player in the team, it looks like his tammates aren't happy.
"Like I said, it's a shame and maybe I'm reading too much into it, but it does add up to that idea that maybe they're better off without him."
Where is Gabriel's most likely destination?
As Gabriel continues to push for a move away from Old Trafford, questions have been asked about his likely destination, with a number of clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked, while Chelsea, Man City and other Premier League clubs could present enticing options.
However, Football Insider revealed on 18 September that Premier League clubs will find it difficult to compete with their European rivals in their pursuit of Gabriel.
A move to Spain with either Barcelona or Real Madrid is considered most likely as things stand, with meetings already set up between the clubs and the player's representatives.
Gabriel turns 16 in October and FA rules allow United to make a financial offer from November 1st for Gabriel to sign a pre-contract, but he now looks likely to land elsewhere.