Squad Selection for Rosenborg Fixture
Manchester United is set to face Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway, on Friday evening as part of their pre-season schedule. Manager Michael Carrick has named a 25-player squad for the match, with some notable inclusions and absences.
One significant change from the squad that played against Wrexham in Finland last Saturday is the inclusion of 15-year-old academy forward JJ Gabriel. Gabriel, who scored 26 goals in 26 games in the U-18 Premier League last season, replaces striker Ethan Wheatley in the travelling party. Gabriel’s participation marks a potential opportunity for him to gain senior match experience, having previously been invited to first-team training sessions.
The match against Rosenborg could see Gabriel make his senior debut, which would make him the club’s youngest ever player if it occurs before October 25. The current record is held by David Gaskell, who debuted in 1956 at 16 years and 19 days old. Gabriel was unable to play in the Premier League last season due to age rules, as players cannot legally participate in the division during the season they turn 15, which Gabriel did last October.
Other young players could also feature. Tynan Thompson, who recently completed a transfer from Tottenham, might be involved. Additionally, Harry Amass, who impressed after coming on for Luke Shaw in Finland, could earn a starting position in the upcoming match.
Player Availability and Absences
Several players remain unavailable for the fixture. Benjamin Sesko is still recovering from a shin injury that kept him out towards the end of the 2025–26 season and has been focusing on building his fitness at the team’s Carrington training base. There is no current concern regarding his availability for the start of the new season, which begins against Hull City on August 22.
Defender Matthijs De Ligt is also in recovery following back surgery in May, having spent several months sidelined last season. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is another player recovering from a minor procedure. These players are expected to return soon, but not for the Rosenborg match.
Players who participated in the World Cup knockout phase are yet to return to the squad, with the exception of Scotland midfielder Tyler Fletcher. Rules stipulate that players must be given 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 back imminently.
Other international players will return gradually. Matheus Cunha’s Brazil team was knocked out on July 5, while Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were with Portugal until July 6. The last to rejoin the squad will be Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, who were with England until the final weekend of the tournament.
Expected Line-up and Match Details
Manager Michael Carrick is expected to continue his strategy of giving minutes to a large number of players, similar to the approach taken in the match against Wrexham. He utilised two distinct teams across the halves in that fixture and is anticipated to do the same in Norway, while aiming to keep a core group of players together.
Tom Heaton is expected to start in goal. There is uncertainty surrounding fellow goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who reportedly asked to leave the club after the Wrexham match, though United might still allow him to play to showcase his abilities to potential suitors.
Joshua Zirkzee, despite being linked with a move away from United this summer, started against Wrexham and is expected to retain his place up front. On the wings, Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo are likely to get further playing time.
The predicted starting eleven for Manchester United against Rosenborg includes: Heaton; Amass, Heaven, Maguire, Yoro; Santos, Mount; Dorgu, J. Fletcher, Mbeumo; Zirkzee. The match is scheduled for 5pm BST on Friday, July 24, at the Lerkendal Stadion.
Read Also
Source: standard.co.uk
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”