Manchester United secured a resounding 5-0 win over Norwegian side Rosenborg in their pre-season match, showcasing an impressive display of individual performances and a shift in their playing style under the new permanent manager. Following their previous defeat to Wrexham, Michael Carrick's team demonstrated a notable improvement. The influence of the renowned Carrington youth academy was evident, but questions still surround one of the young talents.
Sky Sports' Callum Bishop analyzes the key points from the match in Trondheim. When Carrick initially took over, the team's success was largely built on swift transitions and fast breaks, leveraging the skills of players like Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, and Matheus Cunha. From Carrick's first game to the end of the season, United excelled in fast breaks per game, ranking third, and were joint first in goals scored from fast breaks per 90 minutes.
However, they struggled with possession, ranking 13th, and average possession duration, ranking 11th, which made them vulnerable against teams that employed low-block tactics. The match against Rosenborg, who are 13 games into their league campaign, was expected to be challenging, but United, even without key players like Fernandes and Cunha, looked comfortable on the ball. Joshua Zirkzee played a crucial role in maintaining possession and building attacks.
United's second and fourth goals showcased their ability to transition quickly, but it's clear that Carrick is adapting his style, which might explain the appeal of signing Youri Tielemans. Zirkzee was the unofficial player of the match, demonstrating his technical quality with two goals in his 60 minutes of play.
His goal was a highlight of the match, showcasing his skill and footwork. However, despite his impressive performance, it's uncertain whether he will be given a more prominent role next season. The pace of the game suited him, but it doesn't alleviate concerns about his ability to handle the pace of English football. Benjamin Sesko seems more suited to lead the line, and Zirkzee's performance might provide insight into how Carrick plans to utilize the Slovenian when he returns.
United have a long history of producing talented academy graduates, and several young players featured in the match. Shea Lacey started as the number 10 and grew into the game, showcasing his maturity and composure. He was voted player of the match by United fans.
Harry Amass, a half-time substitute, demonstrated his instinct for getting into dangerous areas and defended well on the left flank. Jaydan Kamason, a 19-year-old right-back, was electric on the ball, providing two assists and showcasing his footwork. The 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, the latest wonderkid, was part of the traveling squad but didn't play. While fans are eager to see him in action, it's essential to temper expectations and be patient, as indicated by United Academy Director Stephen Torpey.