Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel has received his first call-up to the senior squad of Manchester United for a friendly match against Rosenborg on Friday. This notable inclusion follows Gabriel's impressive performances last season, where he clinched both the Premier League and United's Under-18 awards despite being only 14 at the time.

Gabriel is the sole addition to the squad that faced a defeat of 1-0 against Wrexham in Finland last week, replacing striker Ethan Wheatley. Tynan Thompson, an 18-year-old who recently joined from Tottenham for £8m, also misses out, along with injured players Benjamin Sesko, Karl Darlow, and Matthijs de Ligt.

The young forward has been a standout in the youth system, having garnered attention for his skills and scoring ability. With 29 goals in 32 appearances last season, he played a crucial role in guiding his team to both the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 Cup finals.

Gabriel's rise began in April 2025, when he made headlines during a match where he scored twice in a 13-1 victory over Leeds. His talent, noted for pace and control, has led to expectations of a senior debut, especially with his continued training under Ruben Amorim and now Michael Carrick.

As he approaches his GCSE year, Gabriel's development is closely monitored, with the club recognizing his potential. If he steps onto the pitch in Norway, he could become one of the youngest players to ever represent United in a senior match, just shy of turning 16 on October 6. This opportunity not only highlights his talent but also signals United's commitment to nurturing young prospects in their pursuit of future success.