A Young Talent Joins the First Team
Manchester United has called up 15‑year‑old forward JJ Gabriel to its first‑team squad for the upcoming preseason tour, a move that could see the teenager become the club’s youngest ever player if he features before October 25. Gabriel, who began scoring in the U‑18 Premier League at the age of 14, netted 26 goals in that competition last season, prompting manager Darren Fletcher to describe him as “more than capable” of training with the senior side.
The club notes that Gabriel will be eligible for the Premier League in the 2026‑27 season and that his inclusion follows the departure of striker Ethan Wheatley, who has been omitted from the tour party.
Pre‑Season Fixtures and Squad Dynamics
United will face Rosenborg in Trondheim on Friday evening, and Gabriel has been named in a 25‑player list for the match. The record for the youngest United debut belongs to David Gaskell, who appeared in 1956 at 16 years and 19 days, a benchmark Gabriel could surpass with a competitive appearance before the October 25 cut‑off.
The preseason schedule also includes a fixture against Wrexham in Hull, while other players are managing their own timelines. Benjamin Šeško is still building his fitness after arriving from RB Leipzig and is not yet available, whereas Matthijs de Ligt is recovering from back surgery and is expected to be ready shortly. Amad Diallo’s return should be imminent after his side exited the World Cup in the round of 32, and Matheus Cunha’s Brazil were eliminated on July 5, with Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot featuring for Portugal until July 6. Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were involved for England until the final weekend of the tournament and will be the last to rejoin the United camp.