If JJ Gabriel's request to cancel his registration is approved, Manchester United could turn to other attacking prospects in the academy for greater responsibility. Bendito Mantato and Tynan Thompson are among the players whose roles could increase.

Gabriel, 15, has formally asked to leave United with immediate effect. His request is incomplete and the club believe they can still resolve the situation.

The forward remains registered with United until the end of the season, meaning Manchester United U21 will likely continue to plan with him unless the Premier League approves a change to his status.

Why JJ Gabriel’s Manchester United Exit Would Affect the U21 Attack

Gabriel scored more than 20 goals for United’s Under-18s last season and won the Premier League Under-18 Player of the Year award. He also scored twice in Premier League 2 before hitting a hat-trick on his UEFA Youth League debut against Sabah FK.

If Gabriel leaves, United would lose one of their most productive young forwards, regardless of how the registration dispute is resolved. United U21 began the campaign with a 5-0 win over Ipswich Town U21 before beating Leicester City U21 4-1.

Gabriel scored in both matches, with other young attackers also contributing in the final third.

Why Bendito Mantato Could Lead Manchester United U21 After JJ Gabriel’s Exit

Mantato is already one of the most experienced attacking prospects in the group. The winger made his Manchester United first-team debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in December 2025.

He was previously named on the bench against Aston Villa and Newcastle United. He is listed among the Manchester United U21 forwards and has been used on the right side of attack.

Mantato has already trained and played with the first team, giving him more senior experience than several of the younger players in the group. A bigger role with the U21s would therefore build on his existing involvement with the senior squad.

The UEFA Youth League record shows Mantato has played 90 minutes in the 2026-27 competition, with no goals or assists.

How Tynan Thompson Fits The Picture

Thompson joined Manchester United from Tottenham during the summer and has been used on the left side of attack. United paid an initial fee reported to be around £4 million, with additional payments potentially taking the total cost to £ 8 million.

The 18-year-old has also been included in United’s Champions League squad. He was placed on the 25-man A-list because he had not been at the club long enough to qualify for the B-list.

Thompson is also part of United’s first-team plans after joining from Tottenham. He made his first-team debut during pre-season, according to Sky Sports.

Thompson is not a direct replacement for Gabriel’s role, but his wide attacking profile and senior-squad status make him one of the clearest players to benefit from increased responsibility at Manchester United U21.

Why Noah Ajayi Remains Relevant

Ajayi is currently an Under-18 player, but his recent progress could put him in contention for a move into the Manchester United U21 setup.

The 17-year-old forward returned from an ankle injury in September and scored against Newcastle United Under-18s after coming off the bench. Reports have also stated that United are close to agreeing Ajayi’s first professional contract.

His 2025-26 figures have been reported as nine goals and one assist in 25 academy appearances.

Which Other Forwards Could Help United?

Shea Lacey has already made an impact for Manchester United U21. He scored twice in the win over Leicester City U21, while Ashton Missin provided an assist in the same match. Chido Obi is another central-forward option.

United-focused reporting previously identified him as the U21 side’s leading scorer in 2025-26. Victor Musa also scored in the 5-0 win over Ipswich, adding another attacking option for United U21.

The players would offer different options in attack, with Obi providing a more central presence while Lacey, Musa, Missin and Thompson can operate in wider areas.

What Would Happen To Manchester United U21 if JJ Gabriel Is Released?

Gabriel’s request still requires a formal decision. Sky Sports reported that a youth registration can be cancelled only with the agreement of the club, player, and parent or carer, or through a binding Premier League decision if an agreement cannot be reached.

No transfer fee or next club has been confirmed. Manchester United could also be entitled to training compensation if Gabriel leaves under the relevant regulations. Until the registration issue is settled, Manchester United U21 must treat Gabriel’s position as unresolved.

If he does leave, Mantato and Thompson appear best placed to take on more attacking responsibility immediately, while Ajayi represents the younger option likely to be considered for promotion from the Under-18s.