Manchester United secured their inaugural pre-season win with a dominant 5-0 performance against Rosenborg in Trondheim. The match showcased several strong individual performances and hinted at an evolving style of play under manager Michael Carrick.
The fixture followed a defeat to Wrexham six days prior, with Carrick’s side demonstrating a different approach. The influence of the club’s youth academy was also evident, though questions have arisen regarding one young talent.
Tactical Shifts Under Carrick
Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United previously focused on transitions and rapid counter-attacks, utilising wingers such as Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, and creative players like Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha. From Carrick’s initial game in charge, a 2-0 win over Manchester City, until the end of the season, the team ranked third in fast breaks per game, averaging 1.53. They were also joint first in goals scored from fast breaks per 90 minutes with 0.24, and second in expected goals from fast breaks at 0.23.
Despite these strengths, the team ranked 13th in possession and 11th in average possession duration. This suggested difficulties against teams employing low defensive blocks, a recurring issue for United since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Against Rosenborg, a team 13 games into their league season, United displayed a more comfortable approach with the ball, even without Fernandes or Cunha. Joshua Zirkzee played a key role in maintaining possession in attack. While transitions remain part of United’s strategy, evidenced by their second and fourth goals, Carrick appears to be implementing changes to his tactical style, potentially explaining the appeal of signing Youri Tielemans.
Zirkzee’s Performance and Youth Academy Talent
Joshua Zirkzee, wearing the number 11 shirt for United, was widely considered the unofficial player of the match. Since his arrival in 2024, he has been a figure of discussion at Old Trafford, not typically fitting as a number nine and not seen as a direct replacement for Fernandes as a number 10. However, his technical quality has drawn comparisons to players such as Dimitar Berbatov.
In the match against Rosenborg, Zirkzee was effective in retaining possession and linking play. He scored one goal and assisted another during his 60 minutes on the pitch. His goal involved a give-and-go with substitute Harry Amass, followed by footwork that evaded two defenders and the goalkeeper before he slotted the ball into an open net. This performance has led to calls from some fans for a more prominent role for Zirkzee next season, though the pace of the game in Norway may have suited his style.
The match also highlighted the talent from United’s youth academy. Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, and Harry Amass, all 19, were among the young players who impressed. Lacey started as the number 10 and grew into the game, scoring the opener with a composed finish. He was voted player of the match by United fans. His goal, a curling shot into the far corner, demonstrated his class. Lacey has previously shown glimpses of his ability in the first team, notably nearly scoring against Burnley in a 2-2 draw.
Harry Amass, a half-time substitute, scored United’s fourth goal, displaying good instincts for getting into dangerous areas from the full-back position. He also defended effectively on the left flank and showed intelligence on the ball. Amass’s progress had been affected by injuries last season after an impressive start on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. His performance against Rosenborg could strengthen his case as a potential back-up to Luke Shaw.
Jacob Devaney, who had been praised by Carrick after the Wrexham defeat, played in central defence and was an assured presence. He also contributed a goal with a first-time finish from a corner. Ethan Williams also scored, completing the rout. Another young player, Jaydan Kamason, a 19-year-old right-back, provided two assists with low crosses and displayed footwork more akin to a winger. Carrick’s decision to give Kamason more minutes than many other youngsters suggests confidence in his abilities, despite some positional lapses off the ball.
Unused Talent and Future Prospects
One notable absence from the pitch was JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old talent who was included in the travelling squad but remained an unused substitute. His inclusion had generated excitement among fans hoping to see the young prodigy in action. However, Carrick indicated before the game that Gabriel would receive minutes in upcoming friendlies, suggesting that fans should temper their expectations for immediate appearances in pre-season matches. Stephen Torpey, United’s Academy Director, previously spoke about the importance of patience in player development.
The match concluded with a decisive 5-0 victory for Manchester United.
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Source: skysports.com
