JJ Gabriel has sensationally asked to leave Manchester United.

Less than a week on from the 15-year-old scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League against FK Sabah, becoming the youngest player in United history to do so, it’s understood Gabriel has informed bosses of his desire to leave.

Daily Mail Sport understands that United’s hierarchy are stunned at the request and are unsure what has triggered such a move given he has become a key part of plans in first team training sessions.

It’s also understood that Gabriel was in line to be included in Michael Carrick’s squad for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup game against Brighton, something which now looks set to be shelved.

This is a major test of United’s resolve as they can ill-afford to lose one of the premier young talents in European football.

Director of football Jason Wilcox intervened, along with head of negotiations Matt Hargreaves, last summer when Gabriel flirted with an exit, convincing him of his route to becoming the youngest ever first team player.

Those two will be called into action again, alongside Carrick, all of whom have watched Gabriel at close quarters at Leigh Sports Village this season with the 15-year-old playing six years up to thrive for the Under-21s.

United sources believe there is still the possibility that the situation can be rectified given that despite the player’s request, he cannot be de-registered from the squad and his current contract runs until the end of the season.

Eyebrows were raised when it appeared Gabriel had wiped his Instagram account of all its photos and took out all mentions of Manchester United.

Sources close to the player were quick to play down talk of discontent but it has now transpired that an explosive episode has been brewing behind the scenes, with Barcelona having spent years pursuing him, given he can leave the UK at 16 due to holding an Irish passport, allowing him to play in Europe.

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