Man United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, 15, asks to QUIT club: Red Devils stunned as academy star dubbed 'Kid Messi' formally submits request to tear up his contract

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.

Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel, 15, has sensationally asked to leave the club

Gabriel, nicknamed 'Kid Messi', scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League last week

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.

Only days ago after scoring the European hat-trick Gabriel’s boss at youth level Adam Lawrence, who leads the Under-19s and the Under-21s, spoke about coaching a player like Gabriel.

‘I think the first thing in my job is not to ruin him,’ Lawrence said.

‘So when you have a talented player like JJ and the other lads of course, you obviously don't want to stifle their freedom and their creativity. And I think essentially what you try and do is to set the team up to allow the talent to function and to play free at the right moments.

‘Of course, it can't always be free and off the cuff in terms of some of the off-the-ball responsibilities that he's working on and some of the pressing things that he's thinking about. But again, in terms of how he plays properly and how he connects with other team-mates at the top end of the pitch, he's just in a real good space.

‘If you look at that game today, I think he's playing properly. I think he's trying to do the right things.

‘It's enjoyable working with him and challenging as a coach because the best players challenge you. When you work with talented players you have to find a way to help them and allow them to flourish and keep improving. Of course, there are things that you can keep working on but he is of course in a real good place.’

The move has left United shocked and is a significant blow given how highly rated Gabriel is

Asked about the people advising him, Lawrence was insistent those around him have the player’s best interests at heart.

‘With JJ, he's surrounded by people that really believe in him,’ Lawrence added.

‘From the top of the club right the way through. Where he's been at the club for so long, he's got good relationships with the players, with the staff.

‘Over the course of time that helps as well. At the moment just in terms of his game, his games programme, his training programme, making sure that he's getting the right exposure across different levels.

‘We're obviously not perfect but it's definitely something we put a lot of thought into. So yeah, it's good to see him just enjoying his football and in a good place for sure.’

But those comments come as scant consolation to supporters now with Gabriel determined to seek pastures new, particularly when a first team debut had long been earmarked for this week.