Gabriel's inclusion in Norway trip makes perfect sense

It had been expected 15-year-old JJ Gabriel would play some part in Manchester United's pre-season this summer given the progress he has made through the club's youth system. But should the winger feature against Rosenborg in Norway to make his first senior appearance, it will be the latest milestone in the teenager's career. Gabriel first came to notice outside United circles in April 2025. Striker Victor Musa scored six times in a lopsided 13-1 Premier Under 18 League win over Leeds . But neither the score nor Musa's double hat-trick was the main talking point – it was a 25-minute cameo from Gabriel on his debut, then aged just 14. Pace, balance and control were already evident - and he also scored twice to show he has an eye for goal. He built on that early promise last season. For most of the campaign he seemed destined to finish as the league's top scorer, only for Manchester City 's Teddie Lamb to pip him in the final couple of games. Gabriel was a standout performer last term, scoring 29 times in 32 appearances, helping his team reach the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 Cup finals. Because of his slight frame, United's coaching staff moved him inside from his preferred position cutting in from the left last season to keep him away from full-backs who were bigger and stronger and could try to muscle him out of the way. There was a belief Gabriel would grow this summer and, judging by his social media feeds, he has been working on that. Having decided to target the youth market to offer the best chance of future success, it would be counterproductive to hold back someone already in their ranks, so Gabriel's call-up for the trip to Norway makes perfect sense. If Gabriel features against Rosenborg he will be one of the youngest players to play a senior game. The youngest player to feature in a competitive match for United is David Gaskell, a goalkeeper who made his debut when he was 16 years and 19 days. Gabriel will not be 16 until 6 October. Manchester United travelling squad: Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, , Andrey Santos, Bryan Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Dermot Mee, Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams, Jaydan Kamason, Jacob Devaney, Jim Thwaites, Dan Armer, JJ Gabriel.