Manchester United’s next game vs Rosenborg could mark the start of three players’ careers at the club, with JJ Gabriel chief among them.
After a 0-1 loss to Wrexham in the opening game of pre-season, where a lot of youngsters outshone their senior counterparts, Man Utd’s Scandinavian tour continues.
Next up is Rosenborg in Norway, a place where United have had previous tussles in pre-season.
This time, three players could make their first appearance for the club here, including the academy’s crown jewel, JJ Gabriel.
Man Utd have confirmed a deal to sign 18-year-old winger Tynan Thompson from Tottenham – What are your thoughts?
1- JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel has long been tipped as ready to make his Man Utd debut, which is remarkable, considering he doesn’t turn 16 until October!
He was ineligible last season, but that has changed now, and it was expected that he would play against Wrexham right away.
However, his return to training came too close to the game, but he’s been training with the first team in the lead-up to the Wrexham game.
It is fair to assume that Gabriel will play some part against Rosenborg, and Michael Carrick could well be in a position to hand a legacy-defining debut.
2- Tynan Thompson
Tynan Thompson signed for United less than a week ago, but he’s already being fast-tracked by the club.
Thompson trained with the first-team immediately upon arrival, and his playing style is exciting enough to be unleashed in pre-season.
Carrick is the perfect manager for Thompson, and the best way for the youngster to feel at home at Carrington is by getting minutes.
A Norwegian opposition who are in the middle of their league season is the perfect test for him, as they will be fitter and stronger.
Thompson is a first-team signing, and getting him used to wearing the shirt before the big guns return from their World Cup-enforced holidays is the way to go.
3- Karl Darlow
Karl Darlow was Man Utd’s third signing of the summer, but missed out against Wrexham as he is recovering from a procedure.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
He should be fit to face Rosenborg, paving the way for Radek Vitek to sit out, as he seems to be on the verge of a move away.
Darlow usurped Lucas Perri last season at Leeds to become their first-choice GK, so he’s quite a coup as a backup for Senne Lammens.
Hopefully he can start showing that quality against Rosenborg.
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