Manchester United achieved their first pre-season victory, defeating Rosenborg 5-0 in a friendly match held in Trondheim. The performance followed a prior defeat to Wrexham and showcased an evolving style of play under manager Michael Carrick.
Four academy prospects contributed to the scoring, alongside a goal from Joshua Zirkzee. The match highlighted both individual performances and the influence of the club’s youth academy.
Evolving Style of Play
Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United displayed a shift in their tactical approach. While previously relying heavily on transitions and fast-breaks, the team appeared comfortable maintaining possession against Rosenborg. This marks a potential evolution from the style seen in Carrick’s initial tenure, where the team ranked third in fast breaks per game and joint first in goals from fast breaks per 90 after his first game in charge.
The team’s second and fourth goals against Rosenborg still demonstrated their ability to transition effectively, indicating that this element remains part of their strategy. However, the overall performance suggested a move towards a more possession-oriented game, which may explain the appeal of signing players like Youri Tielemans.
Key Player Performances
Joshua Zirkzee, wearing the number 11 shirt for United, was a standout performer, contributing two goals and an assist during his 60 minutes on the pitch. His technical quality was evident, particularly in his second goal, which involved intricate footwork to bypass defenders and the goalkeeper. Despite this display, questions persist regarding his suitability for a prominent role in English football, with some suggesting his performance might offer insight into how Carrick plans to utilize Benjamin Sesko upon his return.
Other first-team players who started the friendly included Bryan Mbeumo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Patrick Dorgu, and new signing Andrey Santos, who joined for £50 million. Santos’s energy and passing ability were noted as early positive signs. Dorgu, returning from injury, also showed promise, having previously scored from the left wing in Carrick’s first two games.
Academy Prospects Shine
The match also served as a platform for several academy graduates. Shea Lacey, 19, started as the number 10 and scored the opening goal with a composed finish. He was voted player of the match by United fans, indicating his growing influence after his season was cut short by injury and a red card in the FA Cup last season.
Harry Amass, another 19-year-old, entered as a half-time substitute and scored, demonstrating good instincts for getting into dangerous areas from full-back. His progress had been affected by injuries last season following loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich. Jacob Devaney, 19, and Ethan Williams, 20, also found the net, with Devaney’s goal coming from a corner and Williams’s from a cross by Jaydan Kamason.
Jaydan Kamason, a 19-year-old right-back, provided two assists, showcasing strong attacking play despite some positional challenges off the ball. Manager Michael Carrick praised the youngsters, stating they were “fantastic” and “deserved what they got.”
Goalkeeper Radek Vitek, 22, played 71 minutes and maintained a clean sheet. Vitek, who has spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley, Blau-Weiss Linz, and Bristol City, is yet to make a competitive appearance for United. He was deputizing for Senne Lammens, who was involved in the World Cup with Belgium.
Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel, named the Premier League U18 Player of the Season last year, was an unused substitute despite being included in the travelling squad. Carrick indicated that Gabriel is expected to get minutes in upcoming friendlies. United will next face Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.
Source: skysports.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
