Carrick makes bold change to squad for Rosenborg clash, includes “amazing” forward awaiting debut – official

Manchester United have confirmed their travelling squad for Friday’s pre-season clash against Rosenborg. Exciting addition Youngster JJ Gabriel has been included in the squad by Michael Carrick, with the teenager now firmly on track to make his United senior debut. Very few players in the youth system are currently generating as much buzz as Gabriel, who enjoyed a superb 2025/26 season. Were it not for age restrictions, there is a chance that he would have already made his senior bow. Gabriel, branded an ‘amazing talent‘ by Darren Fletcher, trained with the first team this week and now, he will travel to Norway on Thursday afternoon, ahead of Friday’s 17:00 BST kick-off against the 26-time Norwegian champions. United played Rosenborg at Lerkendal Stadium in 2024. There is no denying that Carrick and his players will be looking to register their first pre-season win, having fallen to a 1-0 loss to Wrexham last weekend. Carrick took 25 players to that fixture in Finland, including new signing Andrey Santos. United used two separate line-ups across the two halves, with the coaching staff prioritising first-team minutes for as many squad members as possible. Squad confirmed Gabriel is the only new name on the teamsheet from the squad that featured against Wrexham, with Ethan Wheatley making way. There is still no Benjamin Sesko, who is continuing his recovery from a shin injury sustained in the victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford last season. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that there is confidence the Slovenian will be fit and available to Carrick for selection by the start of the new campaign. Karl Darlow also remains sidelined with a small injury he picked up while still contracted to Leeds. Darlow’s arrival was announced by United last summer after his contract at Elland Road expired. Featured image George Wood 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 Latest Top Stories… Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!