Michael Carrick issues JJ Gabriel update with warning to Manchester United

Young star is attracting plenty of interest after deciding to leave the club

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has urged the club to handle teenage prospect JJ Gabriel's situation carefully, stressing the need to protect the 15-year-old from unnecessary "exposure and scrutiny".

Gabriel, widely regarded as one of England's most promising young players and nicknamed 'Kid Messi', asked to leave United this week.

The teenager had been tipped to make his first-team debut against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, but his request to leave has thrown his immediate future into doubt.

United believe they can persuade Gabriel to remain at Old Trafford, although it is understood the player's representatives want him to leave as a free agent.

Speaking on Friday, Carrick was keen to shift the focus away from speculation surrounding the teenager and towards his wellbeing.

"I’ll just repeat what I said [earlier this week]: he’s a young boy, it’s important we don’t put anything out here, the exposure and scrutiny we have to be careful," he said.

"We have to be sensible and think about him. The situation will work itself out."

The youngster's future remains unresolved, with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly among the clubs interested in him. Arsenal and Chelsea are also thought to be monitoring the situation.

Gabriel has asked United to cancel his registration, which would enable him to leave as a free agent. Such a move would require the express consent of all relevant parties.

The teenager cannot sign professional terms until he turns 17, while scholarship terms become possible when he turns 16 in October.