Manchester United head into Friday’s pre‑season friendly against Rosenborg with a refreshed squad, featuring new signing Andrey Santos and 15‑year‑old prodigy JJ Gabriel making his senior debut. The match kicks off at 5 pm BST on 24 July at Lerkendal Stadion in Trondheim, offering Carrick a chance to fine‑tune tactics before the Premier League begins.
Who is in Michael Carrick’s line‑up?
Carrick has named a 25‑man squad, blending seasoned internationals with emerging talent. Andrey Santos is slated to start in midfield, potentially partnering youngster Tyler Fletcher if Mason Mount rests. Striker Benjamin Šeško misses out with a shin injury, while Matthijs de Ligt continues his back‑surgery recovery. Backup keeper Karl Darlow sits out after a minor procedure. The headline inclusion is JJ Gabriel, the 15‑year‑old who replaces Ethan Wheatley and could debut for the first team.
What does Rosenborg bring to the table?
Rosenborg arrive in peak physical condition, already 13 rounds into Norway’s Eliteserien. Their recent form includes back‑to‑back 3‑0 league wins and a 2‑1 friendly triumph over Molde FK, making them a sharp opponent. The only absentee is forward Dino Islamović, sidelined with a calf strain. Copenhagen loanee Amin Chiakha is expected to lead the attack after netting a brace in his last outing, supported by winger Emil Konradsen Ceïde, the team’s creative hub.
Why this friendly matters for United’s season outlook?
United finished the 2025 campaign in third place with 71 points, recording 20 wins, 11 draws and 7 losses, and a recent form of WWDWW. The club scored 69 goals while conceding 50, a +19 goal difference that underpinned their title chase, sitting 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. This friendly offers Carrick a platform to assess fitness, integrate new arrivals, and give valuable minutes to academy prospects ahead of their next fixture against Nottingham Forest on 20 February 2027.
How can fans watch the match?
The game will be streamed live on the official Manchester United website and broadcast through the club’s global partners. Viewers can also follow live updates on the club’s social channels, where behind‑the‑scenes footage of JJ Gabriel’s debut will be shared. With a blend of experience and youth on display, the match promises an early glimpse of the squad’s evolving dynamics.
What’s next for United after the Rosenborg test?
After the Norwegian outing, United will return to their training base to analyse performance data and fine‑tune set‑pieces. Carrick is expected to rotate the outfield eleven at halftime, ensuring squad fitness ahead of the demanding Premier League schedule. The upcoming fixtures, including the high‑stakes clash with Nottingham Forest, will test the depth and cohesion built during this pre‑season tour.
