Man Utd's ‘Kid Messi' JJ Gabriel asks to leave at 15 just as he was set for historic first-team chance

Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel has asked to leave the club at just 15, only days after scoring a hat-trick in Europe and just as he appeared set for his first real chance with the senior team.

Gabriel, regarded as one of the best young players to come through United's academy in years, has formally asked the club to cancel his registration so he can become a free agent.

The request has reportedly left United stunned. And the timing makes it even more surprising.

Gabriel was expected to be included in Michael Carrick's squad for Wednesday's Carabao Cup game against Brighton, which could have put him in position to break David Gaskell's 70-year-old record as United's youngest first-team player.

Just last week, the teenager scored a hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League.

Gabriel scored 29 goals in 32 appearances for United's Under-18s and was named the Under-18 Premier League Player last season. He also became the youngest winner of United's Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.

Ryan Giggs recently described him as a “generational talent” and argued that United should keep him close to the first team rather than send him out on loan.

So why does he suddenly want out?

There is no confirmed explanation yet. The Times reports there has been a breakdown in relations between Gabriel's family and United, while his father has removed United-related material from social media.

United, however, are not prepared to simply let him go.

Gabriel's current agreement runs until the end of the season, and cancelling his registration requires the club's agreement or a binding ruling from the Premier League.