Picture: JJ Gabriel joins first team training as United take call on wonderkid’s role ahead of Rosenborg clash – report

Manchester United started their pre-season with a disappointing 0-1 defeat at the hands of Championship side Wrexham last week. The challenges are only going to get harder from here on in, with Rosenborg up next. The Norwegian club are already 13 games into their season, which means they are likely to be a lot fitter and sharper than the 20-time English league champions. Against the Red Dragons, the Red Devils enjoyed plenty of the ball, but on Friday, it will be a challenge to keep hold of possession. It will be interesting to see whether Michael Carrick continues to tweak the positions of first-team stars such as Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu, and Mason Mount. Youngsters in focus vs Rosenborg Another interesting theme to observe will be which youngsters earn minutes in Trondheim. Jacob Devaney caught the head coach’s eye last weekend, and with a first team spot up for grabs, the academy wonderkids will have a lot to prove. JJ Gabriel Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played U18 Premier League2322233–1,968′ FA Youth Cup66313-588′ Total29282643-2,556′ season stats Fans were disappointed to see JJ Gabriel not make the travelling squad for the clash in Helsinki. The reason was that the 15-year-old was given additional time off. It’s heating up at HQ 🌡️🔥 pic.twitter.com/A4fNrApAIp — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 21, 2026 The Manchester Evening News has now reported that the Carrington wonderkid is likely to be on the plane to Norway. He was spotted in training on Monday, and the teenager will be hoping to earn some minutes in the second half. JJ Gabriel has joined training “Manchester United’s talented teenager JJ Gabriel took part in first-team training on Monday. “The 15-year-old was not in contention to travel with the squad for the first pre-season friendly against Wrexham due to his return date to training, but he is expected to travel to face Rosenborg on Friday. “United are doing all they can to prove there is a pathway to the first team for Gabriel, who is regarded as one of the most exciting talents to have ever come through the club’s academy system.” JJ Gabriel set for senior debut Last season, JJ Gabriel scored 23 goals in as many league outings, and he was named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year while also earning the Premier League Under-18s Player of the Season award. Former head coach Ruben Amorim was a fan and he came very close to a debut in the FA Cup. Hopefully, under Carrick, he can blossom and finally make his mark in the first team this season. Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25