Manchester United are set to continue their pre-season schedule with a match against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway, on Friday evening. Manager Michael Carrick has named a 25-player squad for the fixture, which includes a notable change from the team that faced Wrexham in Finland last Saturday.
Young academy forward JJ Gabriel, aged 15, has been added to the squad, replacing striker Ethan Wheatley. Gabriel’s inclusion marks the only change to the group and significantly increases the possibility of him gaining first-team experience. He previously made an impact in the U-18 Premier League, scoring 26 goals in 26 games last season, despite starting the campaign at 14 years old.
Gabriel has frequently participated in first-team training and will be eligible for the Premier League in the 2026–27 season. Any appearance in pre-season could strengthen his chances of becoming Manchester United‘s youngest-ever player in a competitive fixture, a record currently held by David Gaskell.
Squad and Injury Updates
Several players remain unavailable for the upcoming match. Benjamin Sesko is still recovering from a shin injury and has been focusing on building his fitness at the team’s Carrington training base. He missed the end of the 2025–26 season due to injury and is not expected to feature against Rosenborg.
Defender Matthijs De Ligt is also in recovery after undergoing back surgery in May, having been sidelined for several months last season. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is recuperating from a minor procedure.
Tom Heaton is expected to start in goal for Manchester United. There is uncertainty regarding fellow goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who reportedly requested to leave the club after the Wrexham match. However, the club might still provide him an opportunity to play.
Harry Amass, who impressed after replacing Luke Shaw in Finland, could earn a starting position. Joshua Zirkzee, despite being linked with a move away, started against Wrexham and is anticipated to retain his place upfront. Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo are also expected to see more minutes on the flanks.
Youngster Tynan Thompson, who recently completed a transfer from Tottenham, might also be involved in the match.
Michael Carrick previously utilised two distinct teams in each half against Wrexham, a strategy he may repeat in Norway to ensure players gain valuable minutes. The manager is also keen to maintain cohesion among his core players.
The match is scheduled for 5pm BST on Friday, July 24, at the Lerkendal Stadion.
Returning Players from World Cup
Players who participated in the World Cup knockout phase are gradually returning to the squad. Rules stipulate a three-week break for rest and recovery after their international commitments.
Amad Diallo, whose Côte d’Ivoire team was eliminated on June 30, is expected to return soon. Other players, including Matheus Cunha (Brazil), Bruno Fernandes (Portugal), and Diogo Dalot (Portugal), will rejoin the team incrementally. Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, who were with England until the final weekend of the tournament, will be the last to return.
The team’s first competitive match of the new season is against Hull City on August 22.
The predicted starting XI for Manchester United against Rosenborg includes: Heaton; Amass, Heaven, Maguire, Yoro; Santos, Mount; Dorgu, J. Fletcher, Mbeumo; Zirkzee.
The match against Rosenborg is scheduled for Friday, July 24.
Source: standard.co.uk