Manchester United opened their pre‑season campaign in spectacular fashion, routing Norwegian outfit Rosenborg 5‑0 at the Trondheim stadium. After a surprising loss to Wrexham just six days earlier, the Red Devils, now under the full‑time stewardship of Michael Carrick, turned the tide with a performance that highlighted both individual brilliance and a clear evolution in the team’s tactical approach. Carrick’s side showcased the fruits of United’s famed youth academy, while also raising a few questions about the development of certain emerging talents.
Sky Sports analyst Callum Bishop broke down the key moments and trends from the match, providing insight into how United’s style is shifting under the new permanent manager. One of the most noticeable changes has been United’s emphasis on rapid transitions and quick‑break opportunities.
The strategy relies heavily on the pace of wingers such as Bryan Mbeumo and the teenage prospect Patrick Dorgu, combined with the creative spark of Bruno Fernandes and the attacking instincts of Matheus Cunha. Statistics from Carrick’s first spell in charge illustrate the impact of this approach: from the 2‑0 victory over Manchester City in his debut to the end of that season, United averaged 1.53 fast‑breaks per game – the third‑best total in the league – and were joint‑first for goals scored from those transitions (0.24 per 90 minutes) and second for expected goals generated in the same manner (0.23).
Conversely, United’s possession figures remain modest. The team ranked 13th in overall possession and 11th in average possession duration, measured in seconds. This continued difficulty in controlling the ball for extended periods has been a recurring theme since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and often leaves United vulnerable against sides that sit deep and defend in compact blocks. Rosenborg, while not a Premier League heavyweight, were already 13 games into their domestic season, meaning they possessed a degree of fitness and physicality that could have allowed them to dominate possession and set the tempo.
Yet United’s focus on swift transitions meant they were not forced to play a prolonged possession game. Even without the presence of Fernandes or Cunha, United looked comfortable on the ball, and their ability to break quickly proved decisive. Joshua Zirkzee emerged as the standout performer, earning unofficial man‑of‑the‑match honors.
Since arriving at Old Trafford in 2024, Zirkzee has struggled to find a clear role, often being described as a mis‑fitted number nine who cannot displace Fernandes in the number ten slot. Nevertheless, his technical flair reminded observers of former United striker Dimitar Berbatov.
In Trondheim, Zirkzee acted as a conduit for possession, showing sharp movement on half‑turns and linking play effectively. He contributed directly to both goals: assisting the opener and scoring the second. His strike was a piece of individual brilliance – a quick one‑two with substitute Harry Amass, followed by deft footwork that left two defenders in the dust, before out‑witting the goalkeeper to slot home.
While fans may clamor for Zirkzee to receive a larger role next season, the reality is more nuanced. The tempo of the match suited his skill set, but it does not fully address doubts about his ability to cope with the relentless pace of English football.
In contrast, the club’s Slovenian signing Benjamin Šeško appears better suited to lead the line on a regular basis, and Zirkzee’s display may simply hint at how Carrick intends to employ him when Šeško returns from injury. The academy’s influence was evident throughout the game. Young midfielder Shea Lacey started at number ten and displayed a maturity beyond his 19 years. He nearly scored a spectacular long‑range effort in a previous 2‑2 draw with Burnley, and his composure in finding the opener against Rosenborg earned him the fans’ vote for player of the match.
Lacey’s development had been the subject of intense hype over the past year, and his performance suggests he could become a regular contributor in the senior squad. Harry Amass, who entered at halftime, also impressed. After a promising spell at Sheffield Wednesday that was interrupted by injuries, Amass demonstrated both attacking instincts – evident in his goal – and defensive reliability on the left flank. United are in need of a left‑back who can provide width and support in attack, and Amass may be a strong candidate to serve as a deputy to Luke Shaw.
Defenders Jacob Devaney and Ethan Williams celebrated their first senior goals, moments they will likely cherish for the rest of their careers. However, the most electrifying youngster was right‑back Jaydan Kamason. Although he was caught out of position at times, his contributions on the ball were exceptional.
Kamason delivered two low crosses that resulted in assists, displaying footwork more akin to a winger than a traditional full‑back. Carrick’s decision to grant him more minutes than many of his peers underscores the confidence the manager has in his potential. The match also sparked curiosity about another academy prospect, 15‑year‑old JJ Gabriel. Fans anticipated a cameo for the teenage wonderkid, but he remained on the bench throughout the game.
Carrick hinted that Gabriel would see minutes in upcoming friendlies, and academy director Stephen Torpey reminded supporters that patience is essential when nurturing young talent. In summary, United’s 5‑0 victory over Rosenborg was more than a simple scoreline; it was a showcase of a new tactical identity centered on quick transitions, a platform for emerging academy stars, and a reminder that the road to consistent success will require balancing possession challenges with the attacking verve that Carrick is trying to instill.
The performance offers a promising glimpse of what could be in store for the Red Devils as they prepare for the upcoming season.