Little Messi makes his debut! Manchester United announces squad for second pre-season friendly, new signing left out, Šeško still injured.

The roster for Manchester United's pre-season match with Rosenborg in Trondheim has been finalized. Michael Carrick has selected 25 players for the trip, with Andre Santos remaining the sole newcomer. The much‑touted prodigy JJ Gabriel is among the travelling party and was greeted enthusiastically by the crowd in Norway.

United departed for Norway on Thursday afternoon. Their second pre‑season fixture kicks off at midnight on Saturday against Rosenborg, a club with 26 Norwegian league titles. With most World Cup players still absent, the Red Devils may lack some star power, but the inclusion of 15‑year‑old Gabriel is expected to draw extra attention.

Last season Gabriel impressed for Manchester United's under‑18 side, netting 29 goals in 32 appearances. He maintained a goal‑per‑game ratio in the U18 league and scored three times to help the team reach the FA Youth Cup final, which they lost to Manchester City. Despite the defeat, he was named U18 League Player of the Season, becoming the youngest ever winner in the club's academy history.

If he features against Rosenborg, the young striker will become one of the youngest players to ever appear for the senior side. The club's youngest competitive debutant is goalkeeper David Gaskell, who was just 16 years and 19 days old when he made his debut in 1956. Gabriel could break that record if he plays in the Premier League or League Cup before the end of October.

"Gabriel is exceptionally talented, that's clear to see," manager Michael Carrick said. "He had a fantastic season at the U18 level. We certainly have high expectations for him, but we need to exercise patience, just as we do with all young players at every stage. It's about picking the right moments to give him game time, the right moments to let him do what he does best, and navigating the inevitable ups and downs. However, he's been training well and performing well, which is no surprise."

Gabriel can play as a striker, attacking midfielder, or winger, and he idolises Brazilian star Neymar. Towards the end of last season, he began playing as a number ten in the academy setup to accelerate his development and better prepare him for the physical demands of senior football.

Last season he was limited to first‑team training only, because he had not turned 15 before the campaign began, making him ineligible for matches above the U18 level. Premier League regulations require a player to be at least 15 by August 31 of the season to participate. This term, Gabriel now meets the age requirement.

Having represented England at U15 and U16 level, Gabriel liked to use his technique and speed to take on opponents in youth matches. However, at the senior level his physicality will face new challenges. Because of his slight frame, the club's youth coaches moved him last season from his preferred left‑sided cutting‑in role to a central position, away from stronger full‑backs to avoid being pushed off the ball. This summer he has been working in the gym to build muscle mass.

Manchester United must carefully balance the chances they give Gabriel, as he cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17 in October 2027, while clubs like Barcelona are monitoring his progress. Thanks to his Irish nationality, the youngster nicknamed "Little Messi" can move to a European club at 16 next year, unlike typical English players who must wait until they turn 17.

New summer signing goalkeeper Karl Darlow is still out injured along with centre‑back Matthijs de Ligt and striker Benjamin Šeško. Šeško missed the final three matches of last season after colliding with the advertising boards at Old Trafford while going over the line during a game against Liverpool. He remains at Carrington working to regain full fitness. On social media, Šeško indicated he is "almost there", suggesting a return is imminent.

Tynan Thompson, the 18‑year‑old left winger signed for £8 million this week, was omitted from the squad. Although he has been training with the first team, he fell behind in fitness after not being allowed to train at Tottenham while his transfer was being arranged, so he is currently doing only individual work and is not yet match‑ready. Similarly, left‑back Diego Leon, a £7 million acquisition last season, was not called up by Carrick for first‑team training. He featured in a youth team friendly against 1860 Munich in Germany and is expected to continue with the U21s next season or be sent out on loan.

The 25‑man squad for Manchester United is as follows: Tom Heaton, Radek Vitek, Dermot Mee; Luke Shaw, Harry Amass, Harry Maguire, Eden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Jayden Kamason, Dan Ammer; Santos, Mason Mount, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Jim Sweitz, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Jacob Devaney; Patrick Dorgu, Joshua Zirkzee, Chido Obi, Mbemo, Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams, Gabriel.