Vinicius Junior serves suspension in Dubai on Real Madrid duty

Manchester United are gearing up for a legal battle with Real Madrid as talented 16-year-old player JJ Gabriel nears the end of his time at Old Trafford. The prodigy has decided to leave the Premier League club and join the Spanish side after cutting contact with United in September. Since then, Gabriel has been training independently in Spain and his absence from the club has left United officials stunned.

The teenager has reportedly grown impatient over the lack of first-team opportunities and is concerned about United's recent performance. Real Madrid has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for Gabriel's signature, offering a lucrative three-year contract estimated at over £850,000 per season. Gabriel has secured a European Union passport to facilitate his move to Spain.

However, United still holds his registration and refuses to sell him for a low fee. The club feels let down by Gabriel's conduct and is prepared to take the matter to court, as per Manchester Evening News. This is not the first time such disputes have arisen in the youth transfer market, with Liverpool recently ordered to pay Chelsea £2.8 million for Rio Ngumoha.

United will likely use similar precedents to demand a fair compensation for the young talent. The situation is likely to remain complex, with an extended spell on the sidelines possible before Gabriel's move is finalized.