Manchester United were surprised by Gabriel's decision, having planned to include the teenage prospect in the squad for Wednesday's League Cup match against Brighton, according to the Standard Sport section of the Evening Standard. It remains to be seen whether this arrangement will now change.

Gabriel, who has been with Manchester United since he was 11, has now asked the club to cancel his registration so he can become a free agent.

Manchester United can object to Gabriel's request, and Premier League rules state that deregistration is only valid if all three parties – the club, the player, and his parents or guardians – agree.

Premier League rules state: "During a child's registration period, registration can only be cancelled with the agreement of all parties (club, player and parents/guardians)."

"If the parties cannot reach an agreement, any party can also apply to the Premier League for a binding decision on the request for deregistration."

Given Gabriel's contract situation, Manchester United do not believe the situation is irreversible. He cannot sign a scholarship agreement until he turns 16 on October 6, and cannot sign a professional contract until he is 17.

Gabriel is considered an exceptional talent and last season became the youngest recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

According to the Standard Sport section of the Evening Standard, the young winger does not yet have a new club lined up if he leaves Manchester United, but several clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City, have previously expressed interest in him.

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