Manchester United is preparing to face Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway, on Friday evening, continuing their summer schedule. Manager Michael Carrick has named a 25-player squad for the fixture, which includes a notable addition from the academy. The match is scheduled for 5pm BST on July 24 at Lerkendal Stadion.
The squad sees a change from the team that recently played against Wrexham in Finland. Striker Ethan Wheatley has been replaced by 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, marking the only alteration to the group. Gabriel’s inclusion has increased the possibility of him featuring in a first-team game for Manchester United.
Squad Additions and Potential Debuts
JJ Gabriel, who made an impact in the U-18 Premier League last season by scoring 26 goals in 26 games, has been invited to participate in first-team training on multiple occasions. He was unable to play in the Premier League last season due to age restrictions, as rules do not permit players to feature in the division during the same season they turn 15, which Gabriel did last October. He will become eligible for the Premier League in 2026-27. His inclusion in the preseason squad offers him a chance to gain senior match experience.
United U-18 manager Darren Fletcher previously stated that Gabriel is capable of handling a preseason with the first team. If Gabriel makes an appearance in a competitive fixture before October 25, he could become the club’s youngest-ever player, a record currently held by David Gaskell, who debuted in 1956 at 16 years and 19 days old. Any action during preseason would strengthen Gabriel’s chances of achieving this record.
Another young player, Tynan Thompson, could also be involved after completing a transfer from Tottenham earlier this week. In the previous match against Wrexham, Harry Amass impressed after replacing Luke Shaw, potentially earning him a starting spot against Rosenborg.
Expected Line-up and Unavailable Players
Michael Carrick is expected to field a team that includes a core of first-team players, similar to his approach in the Wrexham match where he used two distinct teams across the halves. Tom Heaton is anticipated to start in goal. His fellow goalkeeper, Radek Vitek, may be left out after reportedly asking to leave the club following an interview after the Wrexham match, though United might still allow him to showcase his abilities.
Joshua Zirkzee, despite being linked with a move away from United this summer, started against Wrexham and is expected to retain his place upfront. On the flanks, Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo are likely to get more playing time. The predicted starting XI for Manchester United against Rosenborg includes: Heaton; Amass, Heaven, Maguire, Yoro; Santos, Mount; Dorgu, J. Fletcher, Mbeumo; Zirkzee.
Several players remain unavailable for the upcoming match. Benjamin Sesko is still recovering from a shin injury and has been working 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. However, there is no concern regarding his availability for the start of the new season, which begins against Hull City on August 22.
Matthijs De Ligt is also in recovery after undergoing back surgery in May, having spent several months sidelined last season. He is on course to be available soon. Karl Darlow is another player recovering from a minor procedure. Additionally, players who participated in the World Cup knockout phase, with the exception of Scotland midfielder Tyler Fletcher, have not yet returned to the squad. Rules mandate a three-week break for rest and recovery for these players.
The return dates for other international players will vary based on their World Cup elimination. Amad Diallo, whose Cote d’Ivoire team was knocked out on June 30, is expected to return soon. Players like Matheus Cunha (Brazil, eliminated July 5), and Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot (Portugal, eliminated July 6) will follow. Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, who were with England until the final weekend, will be the last to rejoin the team.
The match against Rosenborg provides an opportunity for Carrick to continue integrating players and assessing the squad ahead of the new season.
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Source: standard.co.uk
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”