Manchester United adds 15‑year‑old JJ Gabriel to senior squad for friendly

Manchester United named fifteen‑year‑old striker JJ Gabriel in its senior 25‑man squad for a pre‑season friendly against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway, on 24 July 2026. Gabriel, who turns 16 in October, had scored 23 goals in 23 appearances in the Under‑18 Premier League and was the top scorer in the U‑18 competition last season. He replaces striker Ethan Wheatley in the squad and joins senior players such as Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw.

Club captain‑turned‑coach Michael Carrick said Gabriel is a “big talent” but is still too young for Premier League minutes, while former caretaker Darren Fletcher praised his enthusiasm and learning attitude, suggesting he could have been ready for first‑team football earlier. The inclusion follows United’s 1‑0 loss to Wrexham in Finland and comes amid injuries to senior squad members Benjamin Sesko, Karl Darlow and Matthijs de Ligt.