Trondheim: Manchester United prepare for Rosenborg friendly with young talent in squad
Manchester United’s Pre-Season Fixture in Norway
Manchester United are set to play their second pre-season friendly of the summer against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway, today, Friday, July 24, 2026. The match is scheduled for a 5pm BST kick-off at the Lerkendal Stadion. This fixture follows their recent 1-0 defeat against Wrexham in Helsinki.
Manager Michael Carrick is anticipated to rotate his squad, similar to his approach in the previous friendly where different teams played in each half. Despite some changes, Carrick aims to maintain a core group of players on the pitch. The team includes summer signing Andrey Santos, who is expected to partner Mason Mount in midfield. Joshua Zirkzee, who started against Wrexham, retains his place up front, with Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo on the flanks. Shea Lacey also joins the side.
Several players remain unavailable due to injury. Benjamin Sesko is recovering from a shin injury, Matthijs de Ligt is in recovery after back surgery, and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow is recuperating from a minor procedure.
Young Talent Joins Senior Squad
Fifteen-year-old forward JJ Gabriel has been included in Manchester United‘s senior squad for the first time for the friendly against Rosenborg. He is part of Michael Carrick‘s 25-man travelling party for the pre-season match. Gabriel, who will turn 16 in October, was the Under-18 Premier League player of the season last term, despite being 14 when the campaign began. His inclusion follows his progress through the club’s youth system and regular participation in first-team training sessions.
Gabriel‘s potential debut in Norway would mark a significant milestone in his young career. He was not involved in the recent defeat to Wrexham as he had only recently returned to training. The club is carefully managing the promising talent, who has made a notable impact in the academy, scoring 29 times in 32 appearances for the Red Devils last season. His performances helped the team reach the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 Cup finals.
The travelling squad for the Rosenborg match includes goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Radek Vitek; defenders Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Ayden Heaven; midfielders Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, and Dermot Mee; and forwards Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams, Jaydan Kamason, Jacob Devaney, Jim Thwaites, Dan Armer, and JJ Gabriel.
Upcoming Fixtures for Manchester United
After the match against Rosenborg, Manchester United has two more fixtures scheduled in Scandinavia. The team will face Atlético Madrid in Stockholm, Sweden, on Saturday, August 1, in a match officially named the Snapdragon Cup. This will be followed by a game against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg a week later.
The club will conclude their pre-season campaign with matches against Leeds United in the Republic of Ireland on August 12 and Milan in Poland three days later. The pre-season schedule provides opportunities for both established players and emerging talents like JJ Gabriel to gain match experience ahead of the new season.
Source: standard.co.uk