JJ Gabriel 'damaging dressing-room relationships' as United weigh January transfer move

Questions are mounting over JJ Gabriel’s future at Manchester United after former club scout Mick Brown alleged the 15-year-old is damaging relationships within the academy, with United simultaneously weighing a return to the January transfer market for a target they missed in the summer.

Brown, a former United assistant and scout, pointed to a visible shift in how Gabriel’s Under-21 teammates respond to him on the pitch. Speaking to Football Insider, he described noticing a muted reaction from fellow academy players when Gabriel scores — a contrast to the celebrations that greet other goalscorers — and suggested the teenager’s conduct may have created friction in the dressing room.

“There is the suggestion, of course, that Man United might be better off without JJ Gabriel,” Brown said. “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?”

The backdrop to Brown’s comments is a reported push by Gabriel’s camp to have his registration cancelled, a request United rejected. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all said to be monitoring the teenager, who had been earmarked for a pathway into the first team under manager Michael Carrick.

“It’s sad, because the boy is very talented and it’s a shame how this situation has played out,” Brown added. “Since all of this has kicked off, I’ve watched him closely playing for the academy sides. When somebody scores for the Under-21s, all the players go running over, jumping and hugging each other. 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 — he doesn’t seem to get the same reception. I have to wonder whether his actions have caused issues in the dressing room.”

Brown described the situation as “an arrogance and attitude thing,” raising doubts about whether Gabriel’s current standing within the youth setup is helping his case to stay.

The Gabriel saga comes as United enter the international break sitting 12th in the Premier League, with just two wins across all competitions so far this season. Carrick, who earned the manager’s role on a permanent basis after impressing last term, faces pressure to address the squad’s shortcomings before club football resumes, and a January recruitment drive is reported to be increasingly likely.