Gabriel representatives demand Manchester United playing-time guarantees

Representatives of 15-year-old Gabriel have told Manchester United that he must play at least 20 minutes in matches against Sabah, Brighton and Bournemouth before they will begin negotiations over a contract, according to ESPN.

Gabriel has not trained with Manchester United since leaving the first-team squad before the League Cup tie against Brighton on 16 September. Sources say there is currently little indication that the dispute between the player and the club will be resolved.

The teenager’s representatives believe Manchester United failed to honour some of the promises made to him. Gabriel had been expected to make his first-team debut against Brighton, but his representatives requested that his registration be cancelled because of disagreements over the amount of playing time he would receive.

Gabriel made his Manchester United debut in a friendly against Atletico during the summer. However, he was not included in the club’s squad for the Champions League.

Manchester United is prepared to seek legal advice if evidence emerges that other clubs have made illegal approaches to Gabriel. Reports have previously claimed that the player is attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona.