Manchester United includes JJ Gabriel in senior squad for Rosenborg friendly

By Ngozi Eze — 24 July 2026 — 4 min read

Manchester United is set to continue its pre-season schedule with a friendly match against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway. The team, managed by Michael Carrick, will see forward JJ Gabriel join the senior squad for the first time. Gabriel, who was the Under-18 Premier League player of the season last term, is part of the 25-man travelling party for the match.

Gabriel, who will not turn 16 until October, joins the squad that recently faced Wrexham in Finland. Striker Ethan Wheatley has been removed from the squad. Notable absences from the travelling party include Tynan Thompson, who recently joined from Tottenham in an £8m deal, as well as Benjamin Sesko, Karl Darlow, and Matthijs de Ligt, all of whom are sidelined due to injury.

Squad Additions and Absences

The inclusion of Gabriel in the senior squad for pre-season was anticipated given his progression through the club’s youth system. Should he feature in Norway, it would mark a significant milestone in his career. Gabriel was not involved in the recent defeat by Wrexham in Helsinki, having returned to training less than a week prior.

Manchester United‘s travelling squad for the friendly 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
• JJ Gabriel

Top players such as Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Senne Lammens are currently on vacation after their participation in the World Cup. However, fans can expect to see players like Bryan Mbeumo, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and new signing Andrey Santos in action.

Gabriel’s Youth Career and Potential Debut

JJ Gabriel is considered one of the highly-regarded young players within England’s academy system. Jason Wilcox, the director of football, was reportedly involved in discussions to ensure Gabriel remained at United last summer. This effort aligns with the club’s strategy to integrate promising young talents into the Old Trafford club, a strategy also reflected in Thompson‘s arrival from Tottenham.

Gabriel first gained wider attention in April 2025 during an Under-18 Premier League match where United defeated Leeds. While Victor Musa scored six goals in that game, Gabriel’s 25-minute appearance on his debut, when he was 14 and a half, stood out. His performance showcased pace, balance, and control, along with two goals.

Last season, Gabriel was a prominent performer, scoring 29 times in 32 appearances for the Red Devils. His contributions helped the team reach the finals of both the FA Youth Cup and the Premier League Under-18 Cup. He was initially called up for first-team training by Ruben Amorim and has since been a regular at sessions, with Carrick closely monitoring the academy teams.

The club is carefully managing Gabriel’s development. He was invited to the directors’ box on multiple occasions last season and met Sir Alex Ferguson after a draw against West Ham in December. This level of access is not common, highlighting the potential United sees in the young player.

Gabriel is about to begin his GCSE year. He played and scored in last season’s FA Youth Cup at a younger age than some legendary Manchester United figures, including Duncan Edwards and Eddie Colman from the Busby Babes, and Ryan Giggs. His physical development is also seen as a positive factor, as he has made a significant impact despite his slight build. The coaching staff moved him from his preferred position on the left wing to an inside role last season to protect him from larger full-backs.

The decision to include Gabriel in the pre-season trip aligns with United‘s focus on youth development. While not every player in Carrick‘s squad is guaranteed playing time, a potential appearance for Gabriel would provide valuable insights for the 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.

The youngest player to feature in a competitive match for United is David Gaskell, who debuted at 16 years and 19 days.

Source: bbc.com