Manchester United continue their pre-season preparations this evening when they take on Norwegian club Rosenborg in Trondheim. The match, part of the club's summer schedule ahead of the 2026 season, has drawn attention due to the inclusion of 15-year-old prospect JJ Gabriel in the travelling squad. The teenager, who has been dubbed «Kid Messi» by some observers, could be handed his first senior minutes by interim manager Michael Carrick.
United have named a 25-man squad for the trip to Norway, with several first-team regulars expected to feature as they build fitness. The match at the Lerkendal Stadion offers Carrick the opportunity to assess his options against a competitive Rosenborg side, who are in the midst of their domestic season. Pre-season friendlies are a crucial part of the preparation for the upcoming campaign, and the coaching staff will be keen to see improvements in performance and cohesion.
JJ Gabriel's inclusion has been one of the main talking points. The young winger has impressed at academy level and has been rewarded with a place in the senior squad for the Norway trip. While it remains to be seen how much game time he will receive, the decision to bring him along signals the club's willingness to integrate promising talent into the first-team environment. Carrick has a history of giving opportunities to young players, and Gabriel could become the latest to benefit from that approach.
The match against Rosenborg represents the second leg of United's pre-season tour, following earlier fixtures. The team has been working on tactical adjustments and physical conditioning, and this game will provide a stern test against a side that plays in a different style to many of the opponents they face in England. Rosenborg, one of Norway's most successful clubs, will be eager to impress on home soil and will provide a challenging opponent for the Premier League giants.
In terms of team news, United are expected to field a mix of experienced players and younger talents. Key players such as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are likely to be involved, though the exact lineup will depend on fitness levels and Carrick's plans for the match. The squad also includes several players returning from injury, and the friendly offers a chance to regain match sharpness. The match will be broadcast live on MUTV, the club's official television channel, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 local time.
For Rosenborg, the friendly is an opportunity to test themselves against top-level opposition. The Norwegian side have a strong tradition in European competition and will look to use the match as a benchmark for their own preparations. The atmosphere at the Lerkendal Stadion is expected to be lively, with local fans eager to see their team take on one of the most famous clubs in world football.
The pre-season schedule is an important period for Manchester United as they look to build momentum ahead of the new season. The match against Rosenborg will be followed by further friendlies, with the club aiming to fine-tune their tactics and ensure players are in peak condition. The inclusion of young talents like JJ Gabriel adds an extra layer of interest, as fans and pundits alike watch to see which academy graduates might break into the first team in the coming months.
Overall, the friendly in Trondheim offers a blend of competitive action and developmental opportunity. While the result is not the primary focus at this stage of pre-season, a strong performance would boost confidence and provide a positive platform for the challenges ahead. Manchester United will be hoping to continue their preparations smoothly, with an eye on the long-term goal of competing for honours in the upcoming season.
