Gabriel’s Manchester United Future in Question Amidst Internal Backlash and Unfulfilled Promises

Recent days have seen growing backlash against Gabriel and his family regarding his future direction at the club, alongside intense scrutiny of his professionalism and attitude.

However, sources close to the player argue that this criticism is deeply unfair, overlooking the immense dedication and commitment that have made him highly regarded by numerous clubs across Europe.

Gabriel is not the first young prospect to clash with his club over future direction. For instance, Jadon Sancho was just 17 when he refused to train with Manchester City to force through a £10 million move to Borussia Dortmund, believing he would feature more regularly under the German setup than under Pep Guardiola.

Similarly, Morgan Rogers, a teammate of Barry’s in the West Bromwich Albion side that reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals in 2019, departed for Manchester City just three months later, with the move finalized on his 17th birthday.

According to sources, during meetings with Manchester United’s hierarchy last summer that led to Gabriel signing a short-term contract extension, specific promises regarding his career pathway were made—promises that have since gone unfulfilled.

While Gabriel began participating in senior training sessions under Ruben Amorim and subsequently Michael Carrick, hopes of a senior debut last season were dashed. Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher, who took over as interim manager following Amorim’s dismissal, deemed the opportunity too premature for the young prospect.

Expectations were high that Gabriel would feature prominently during United’s pre-season schedule. His absence from the Helsinki trip to face Wrexham on July 18 was officially attributed to his late return to pre-season training.

Though he was included in subsequent squads, Gabriel saw action for only eight minutes during a match against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.

Did this lack of playing time fuel his discontent? During the Rosenborg clash in Trondheim on July 24, Carrick utilized eleven substitutes, yet Gabriel was one of only two squad members not brought onto the pitch. Notably, five of the players who did play have since departed the club, either permanently or on loan.

In contrast, 18-year-old Tynan Thompson was handed a 45-minute senior debut against Leeds United at Croke Park—a match Gabriel traveled to but did not play in—just three weeks after joining from Tottenham.

Despite these setbacks, there was still optimism that Gabriel would become United’s youngest senior player this autumn, likely in the EFL Cup.

While the third-round draw presented a home rematch against Brighton, United’s Champions League campaign offered another potential pathway.

Azerbaijani champions Sabah represent perhaps the most favorable home fixture for Carrick’s side this season. During that encounter, United led 3-0 at halftime, and Carrick had exhausted all five substitutions by the 72nd minute.

Yet, Gabriel remained an unused substitute. Similar to Max Dowman’s situation at Arsenal last season, UEFA registration rules prevented Gabriel, then 15, from playing unless he was included on the club’s 25-man ‘A’ list.

It remains unclear why Gabriel was omitted from this list. United registered the maximum 25 players, which included midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who is sidelined until January with a knee injury, as well as Tynan Thompson.

United’s coaching staff has previously suggested that Gabriel does not yet possess the physical maturity required for senior football. Sources close to the player strongly reject this assessment.

Instead, they point to Arsenal giving Max Dowman his debut at age 15, and Bayern Munich introducing Lennart Karl at 17, questioning why Manchester United refuses to afford Gabriel the same opportunity.

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