Manchester United opened their pre‑season campaign in spectacular fashion, thumping Norwegian outfit Rosenborg 5-0 at the Trondheim arena. The victory came just a week after a surprising loss to lower‑league side Wrexham, and it signalled a swift turnaround under the stewardship of Michael Carrick, who has now been confirmed as the club's permanent manager.
Carrick’s side produced a performance that blended individual brilliance with a clear evolution in the team’s tactical identity. The game highlighted the continuing influence of United’s renowned youth academy, while also raising a few lingering questions about the development of a particular young prospect. Sky Sports analyst Callum Bishop broke down the key moments from the match, pointing out how United’s recent emphasis on rapid transitions and swift counter‑attacks paid dividends. The Red Devils have been building their play around the speed of wingers such as Bryan Mbeumo and the promising Patrick Dorgu, while the creative spark of Bruno Fernandes and the eye‑for‑goal of Matheus Cunha remains central to their attacking blueprint.
Statistically, United’s shift in approach is evident. From the 2-0 win over Manchester City in Carrick’s inaugural match to the end of that season, the team ranked third in the league for fast‑breaks per game (1.53), tied for first in goals scored from fast‑breaks per 90 minutes (0.24) and second in expected goals from those situations (0.23).
At the same time, they sat 13th in overall possession and 11th for average possession duration, underscoring a continued struggle to dominate the ball – a weakness that has persisted since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and often leaves United vulnerable against well‑organised, low‑block defenses. Although Rosenborg do not compete at Premier League level, they were already 13 fixtures into their domestic campaign, meaning they possessed the fitness and physicality to try and impose their own rhythm.
United, however, relied heavily on their newly‑honed transition game to dictate the tempo. Even when key attackers Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha were rested, the side appeared comfortable on the ball.
Joshua Zirkzee, who was thrust into the spotlight, played a pivotal role in linking play and creating space for his teammates. The second and fourth goals of the match were textbook examples of United’s counter‑attacking prowess, suggesting that Carrick will continue to hone this aspect of his side’s play.
The manager’s permanent appointment also hints at why the club pursued a player like Youri Tielemans – a midfielder capable of blending possession‑based control with incisive forward passes, offering a versatile alternative to the current system. Zirkzee emerged as the unofficial man of the match. Since joining United in 2024, the Dutch striker has struggled to find a definitive role, often being described as a hybrid who does not quite fit the traditional number nine mold nor displace Fernandes from the number ten position. Yet his technical flair occasionally draws comparisons to former United forward Dimitar Berbatov.
In Trondheim, Zirkzee acted as a conduit for possession, displaying sharp movement on half‑turns and delivering two goal contributions in just 60 minutes – an assist for the opener and a spectacular finish for the second. His second goal was a showcase of individual skill: after a quick give‑and‑go with substitute Harry Amass, Zirkzee executed a series of deft touches that beat two defenders, then out‑witted the Rosenborg goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball home.
The strike was a moment of pure magic that capped an otherwise disciplined team display. While some supporters may clamour for a larger role for Zirkzee next season, the reality is more nuanced. The pace of the Norwegian game suited his attributes, but doubts remain about his ability to cope with the intensity and physical demands of English football.
In contrast, the club’s Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško appears better equipped to lead the line, and Zirkzee’s performance may simply illustrate how Carrick envisions using Šeško when he returns from injury. United’s academy continues to produce promising talent, and several youngsters featured prominently in the win. Shea Lacey, who started at number ten, grew into the match with composure beyond his 19 years.
He nearly scored a long‑range effort in a recent 2‑2 draw with Burnley and, in this game, delivered a composed finish for the opening goal. Fans voted him player of the match, reflecting the renewed optimism surrounding his development after a quieter year.
Harry Amass, who entered at half‑time, also impressed. After an injury‑plagued spell at Sheffield Wednesday, the left‑back showed both defensive solidity and an attacking instinct, making a well‑timed run that resulted in a goal. His performance raises the question of whether he could become a reliable deputy for Luke Shaw in the future. Jacob Devaney and Ethan Williams celebrated their first senior goals, moments they will cherish for the rest of their careers.
Yet the most surprising hero was right‑back Jaydan Kamason. Although he was caught out of position once, his two assists demonstrated an uncanny ability to deliver low, precise crosses, and his footwork resembled that of an attacking winger rather than a traditional defender. Carrick’s decision to grant him more minutes than many of his peers signals a growing trust in his potential. The buzz surrounding 15‑year‑old JJ Gabriel also added intrigue.
The youngster, who once dislocated his elbow in a five‑a‑side game, was included in the travelling squad, sparking excitement among fans eager to see the next United wonderkid. However, he remained on the bench throughout the match, wearing a fluorescent bib but receiving no minutes. Carrick hinted that Gabriel will see action in upcoming friendlies, reminding supporters that patience is essential when nurturing academy prospects – a sentiment echoed by United Academy Director Stephen Torpey earlier in the season. In summary, United’s 5‑0 demolition of Rosenborg offered a clear illustration of the team’s evolving identity under Michael Carrick.
The blend of swift transitions, youthful exuberance, and strategic signings like Tielemans suggests a forward‑looking project aimed at restoring the club’s competitive edge. While the victory does not guarantee immediate success in the Premier League, it provides a valuable platform for assessing the squad’s strengths, addressing its weaknesses, and integrating the next generation of talent into the first‑team environment.