JJ Gabriel named in Man Utd squad for Rosenborg friendly as 15-year-old eyes breakthrough under Michael Carrick
Manchester United has included 15-year-old winger JJ Gabriel in their senior squad for a pre-season friendly against Rosenborg. The move highlights the club's commitment to developing young talent despite current injury challenges within the first team.
Why it matters
Fast-tracking teenage players into senior squads is a high-stakes strategy for top-tier football clubs looking to secure future stars.
Manchester United have signaled their intent to fast-track one of the most exciting talents in English football by naming 15-year-old winger JJ Gabriel in the senior squad for Friday's friendly against Rosenborg. The teenager, who has been a revelation at youth level, joins Michael Carrick’s 25-man traveling party for the clash in Trondheim as the Red Devils continue their pre-season preparations.
The selection of Gabriel represents a significant milestone for a player who does not celebrate his 16th birthday until October. After winning both the Premier League and United's Under-18 awards last season, the London-born forward is the sole addition to the group that traveled to Finland for last week’s 1-0 defeat against Wrexham . His inclusion comes at the expense of striker Ethan Wheatley, who has dropped out of the traveling party heading to Norway.
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