Five-star Man Utd impress in pre-season win over Rosenborg as starlets shine without JJ Gabriel
United produced an emphatic 5-0 victory over Norwegian side Rosenborg in a pre-season friendly, securing their first win of the 2026-27 preparation campaign. The performance was notable for the emergence of several academy starlets who took their opportunity in the absence of other senior figures. Highly-rated youngster JJ Gabriel was a notable absentee from the matchday squad, though the reasons for his omission were not detailed. Manager Michael Carrick will be encouraged by the goals and the positive display from the youth players as he continues to shape his squad ahead of the new season.
Read the full story at skysports.comPre-season results carry limited predictive value, but the strong showing from young players is a meaningful signal for United's squad depth heading into 2026-27. Carrick's willingness to blood academy talent suggests a transitional approach, potentially impacting minutes for senior attackers. The absence of JJ Gabriel is worth monitoring, though it may simply be a fitness or development decision rather than a concern.
Context added by Socc360, not by skysports.com.
Data source: skysports.com (via Socc360). Last updated .
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