Gabriel, who turned 15 in October, could have triggered a move by de-registering under rules that allow under-14s to move freely between clubs in the same city. United persuaded him to stay, with director of football Jason Wilcox playing a key role in convincing the forward to remain at the club, states the Telegraph.
He has since justified that faith emphatically. Gabriel has scored 25 goals in 28 games for United's under-18s this season, making him the top scorer in the Under-18 Premier League by some distance, and his performances have driven the club to the FA Youth Cup semi-final. If they beat Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Friday, Manchester City await them in the final.
Interim head coach Michael Carrick has acknowledged the player's quality, though he confirmed Gabriel cannot make his senior debut this season due to Premier League age regulations — he was 14 when the current campaign began.
"JJ is a big talent, it's pretty obvious to know that," Carrick said.
Despite United securing his commitment for now, interest from across Europe has not disappeared. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are among the clubs reported to be monitoring his development. Because Gabriel holds an Irish passport, European clubs could sign him when he turns 16 rather than having to wait until he is 18 — a factor that gives those clubs an advantage over English rivals subject to post-Brexit restrictions.
Gabriel joined United's academy in 2021 at the age of ten. He has occasionally trained with Carrick's first-team squad this season.