Trondheim: Manchester United youngsters impress in 5-0 victory against Rosenborg
Youngsters shine in pre-season friendly
Manchester United secured a 5-0 victory against Rosenborg in a pre-season friendly held in Trondheim, Norway. Manager Michael Carrick expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the younger players, highlighting their ability to express themselves on the pitch.
The match saw a strong starting eleven for United, with several young talents introduced throughout the game. Jaydan Kamason and Harry Amass entered at half-time, with Kamason providing two assists and Amass contributing a goal and an assist. Eight additional youngsters were brought on later in the second half.
Among those making an impact were the Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler, in midfield. Jacob Devaney, playing at centre-back, scored from a corner, while winger Ethan Williams completed the scoring for United. Carrick noted the ruthless display from the youngsters against Rosenborg, contrasting it with their previous outing against Wrexham where they had played well but failed to score.
Radek Vitek played for over 70 minutes in goal before being replaced by Dermot Mee. Carrick praised the defensive effort of the team, which resulted in a clean sheet.
Gabriel’s senior squad inclusion
Forward JJ Gabriel was named in Manchester United’s senior squad for the friendly against Rosenborg. Gabriel, who was the Under-18 Premier League player of the season last term, travelled with Michael Carrick’s 25-man party to Trondheim.
Gabriel’s inclusion follows his progress through the club’s youth system. Should he feature, it would mark another milestone in his career. He was not involved in the previous week’s defeat by Wrexham in Helsinki, having returned to training shortly before. The club is reportedly managing the young talent carefully.
The squad for the friendly included a mix of established players and youth. Notable absentees due to injury included Benjamin Sesko, Karl Darlow, and Matthijs de Ligt. Tynan Thompson, who joined from Tottenham, was also not part of the travelling squad.
Gabriel first gained wider attention in April 2025 during an Under-18 Premier League match where United defeated Leeds 13-1. Despite Victor Musa’s six goals in that game, Gabriel’s 25-minute debut cameo, which included two goals, was a significant talking point. He continued to impress last season, scoring 29 times in 32 appearances for the Red Devils and helping them reach the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 cup finals.
He has been a regular in first-team training sessions, with Carrick closely monitoring the academy teams. Gabriel’s impact has been notable despite his slight build, with coaching staff moving him to an inside position last season to protect him from larger full-backs. The club sees significant potential in the youngster, as evidenced by his access to the directors’ box and meetings with Sir Alex Ferguson last season.
Looking ahead for United
Following the match against Rosenborg, Manchester United will return to Carrington for a week of training in Manchester. The team has now played two pre-season friendlies.
Their next fixture is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, when they are set to face Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.
Carrick expressed satisfaction with the team’s current progression, noting that there are four weeks until the start of the season and that players returning from the World Cup will gradually rejoin the squad. He emphasised the importance of patience and keeping everyone fit as they move forward.
The club also launched its new away kit for the 2026/27 season, which is inspired by the 1988 kit and features blue wavy stripes reminiscent of the River Irwell.
The friendly against Rosenborg provided valuable minutes for many players, including Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu, Andrey Santos, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Shea Lacey, Jim Thwaites, and Dan Armer, all of whom were part of the travelling squad.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
