Gabriel in Man Utd team photo but no hint of reconciliation

Tensions between Gabriel’s camp and Manchester United had been simmering for several months, according to sources who spoke to BBC Sport. They said the player’s decision to challenge his future was sparked by his omission from Michael Carrick’s lineup for the Champions League fixture against Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK on 10 September. Gabriel’s representatives had suggested he be used as a substitute in that match, which, on paper, appeared to be the easiest of United’s league‑phase games. Sources added that the possibility of the Londoner featuring against Brighton in the EFL Cup on 16 September was also discussed, with United officials later insisting that remained the plan. Had Gabriel played in either encounter, he would have become the club’s youngest ever player. By the time the match against Fabian Hurzeler’s side arrived, however, the striker had already informed the club of his intention to discontinue his association and had departed the country. Gabriel was unavailable for the Sabah clash because he had not been registered on United’s UEFA A list of players when the announcement was made on 3 September. The precise reasons for this omission have not been disclosed. Despite the registration issue, Gabriel scored a hat‑thumb in a UEFA Youth League game against Sabah at Leigh Sports Village earlier on 10 September. He has not returned to United since, and it remains unclear whether any significant developments followed that match. United maintain they have made clear their view of Gabriel as immensely important to the club’s first‑team future. Sources indicate, however, that the player did not attend the start of the academy’s pre‑season training schedule at the opening of July – a week ahead of the senior squad – despite being asked to do so. According to those same sources, United lobbied the Premier League to permit the forward to wear “JJ Gabriel” on the back of his shirt, a move they say underscores their commitment to the academy prospect. Gabriel’s legal name is Joseph Junior Andreou O’Cearuill, though he is reported to have altered it for commercial purposes. United also say they have provided Gabriel with first‑team attention and services, including regular meetings with senior coaches and nutritionists. His inclusion in the senior squad photograph is viewed as further evidence of the club’s dedication to his development and progression into first‑team football.