Manchester United are in Norway for their second pre-season friendly against Rosenborg on Friday. The match will take place at Lerkendal Stadion in Trondheim, with a kick-off time of 5 p.m. BST.
The team, managed by Michael Carrick, is looking to bounce back after a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in Finland last week. That match saw a makeshift side play, with an entirely changed XI of academy players in the second half.
A host of first-team players are still unavailable as they recover from their World Cup exploits, suggesting another unorthodox starting lineup for the upcoming fixture. Rosenborg, on the other hand, are currently in the middle of their club campaign, which means their players are match-fit.
Squad and Player Updates
Among the players travelling with the squad is JJ Gabriel, a forward who has been called up to the senior team for the first time. Gabriel was the Under-18 Premier League player of the season last term, and his inclusion in the 25-man travelling party for the friendly in Trondheim marks a significant step in his career. He does not turn 16 until October.
Gabriel’s progress through the club’s youth system had led to expectations that he would feature in United‘s pre-season this summer. Should he play in Norway, it would be another milestone for the teenager. Director of football Jason Wilcox was reportedly involved in persuading Gabriel to stay at United last summer, as part of an effort to bring promising young talents to the club.
Gabriel first gained wider attention in April 2025 during an Under-18 Premier League match where he made a 25-minute cameo on his debut. He scored twice in that game, showcasing his pace, balance, and control. Last season, he scored 29 times in 32 appearances for the Red Devils, helping them reach the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 Cup finals.
He has been a regular at first-team training sessions since being called up by Ruben Amorim, with Carrick closely monitoring the academy teams. Gabriel was not involved in the defeat by Wrexham in Helsinki as he had only recently returned to training, but United are reportedly handling his development carefully.
Gabriel was invited to the directors’ box on several occasions last season and met with Sir Alex Ferguson after a draw against West Ham at Old Trafford in December. This access is not common, highlighting the potential United sees in him. He played and scored in last season’s FA Youth Cup at a younger age than notable figures like Duncan Edwards and Eddie Colman from the Busby Babes, and also Ryan Giggs.
His significant impact despite his slight frame is notable. United‘s coaching staff moved him from his preferred position cutting in from the left to an inside role last season, to protect him from larger full-backs. There was a belief he would grow this summer, and his social media activity suggests he has been working on this. Given United‘s focus on youth development, Gabriel’s call-up for this trip is seen as a logical step.
If Gabriel features in Norway, he would be among the youngest players to play a senior game for the club. The youngest player to feature in a competitive match for United is David Gaskell, a goalkeeper who debuted at 16 years and 19 days. Gabriel will not be 16 until 6 October.
Not all members of Carrick‘s squad are guaranteed playing time. In the defeat by Wrexham, United took 25 men, and even with completely different teams for each half, goalkeeper Dermot Mee, midfielder Jim Thwaites, and striker Chido Obi were not used.
However, if Gabriel gets an opportunity, it will provide valuable insight for United‘s coaches on how he performs against senior opponents. This will help determine his future game schedule as United‘s World Cup players begin to return.
Other players ruled out by injury include striker Benjamin Sesko, goalkeeper Karl Darlow, and defender Matthijs de Ligt. Additionally, Tynan Thompson, who joined from Tottenham in an £8m deal, is not in the squad.
The full travelling squad includes: Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu, Andrey Santos, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Dermot Mee, Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams, Jaydan Kamason, Jacob Devaney, Jim Thwaites, Dan Armer, and JJ Gabriel.
Upcoming Fixtures
Following the match against Rosenborg, United has two more matches scheduled in Scandinavia. They will face Atlético Madrid in Stockholm, Sweden, on Saturday, August 1, in a match officially titled the Snapdragon Cup. This will be followed by a fixture against reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg a week later.
The Red Devils will conclude their pre-season campaign with games against Leeds United in the Republic of Ireland on August 12, and Milan in Poland three days later.
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Source: bbc.com
