Manchester United Prepares for Rosenborg Friendly with Youth Squad

Manchester United prepares to face Rosenborg in Norway on July 24, 2026, amid ongoing squad adjustments. While young talent JJ Gabriel approaches a potential debut and Chido Obi’s loan future remains unresolved, several key internationals like Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo prepare for their later pre-season return.

JJ Gabriel and the Young Squad Shaping Up for Rosenborg

Manchester United’s pre-season tour moves forward as the squad travels to face Rosenborg at the Lerkendal Stadion in Trondheim, Norway. Following an opening friendly against Wrexham in Finland, officials expect a similar developmental approach with youth integration. Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel is expected to travel with the squad to Norway after missing the Finland trip due to a later return date to training.

Gabriel was ineligible for Premier League action last season because he was too young and missed an FA Cup opportunity against Brighton. Darren Fletcher preached patience regarding the youngster’s development seven months ago, but physical progress means the teenager is now on the verge of his proper introduction during the new campaign.

Unresolved Decisions Surrounding Chido Obi and Ethan Ennis

Squad questions extend beyond travelling youngsters. Chido Obi remained an unused substitute during the Wrexham fixture while Ethan Wheatley played the entire second half. Although many observers viewed Wheatley’s selection as a sign of an impending loan, club sources indicate that United are still weighing up his future over the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Ethan Ennis suffered a minor training setback that ruled him out of the opening pre-season outing. Ennis spent last term on loan at Fleetwood Town, where he made 45 appearances in League Two. United recently triggered an option to extend his contract by 12 months, and discussions regarding a new deal continue to move positively despite his temporary absence.

New Arrival Tynan Thompson and the August 12 Dublin Return for Internationals

The club secured a new addition on Monday by completing the signing of winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham after agreeing a deal worth £4 million, with a further £4 million in add-ons. The 18-year-old sought a relocation largely for family reasons and is expected to receive a patient introduction similar to previous arrival Ayden Heaven.

Further integration timelines emerged regarding senior figures. Once that break concludes, both players will rejoin the Red Devils in Dublin when the side meets Leeds United on August 12, 2026.

Sidelined Stars and International Absentees

A substantial contingent remains absent from the Norwegian trip due to recent international commitments and injury recoveries. Players involved in summer tournament action, including Lisandro Martinez, Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui, Amad, Matheus Cunha, Altay Bayindir, and Tyler Fletcher, did not make the journey to Trondheim.

United v Rosenborg Chat! – Manchester United Transfer News

On the injury front, Benjamin Sesko and Karl Darlow stayed behind at Carrington to manage their respective rehabilitation programs. Matthijs de Ligt also remains sidelined as a longer-term absentee due to ongoing back problems, leaving coaching staff to manage fitness levels carefully before the September 1 transfer window deadline.