Manchester United achieved a 5-0 victory against Rosenborg in a recent pre-season friendly held in Trondheim, Norway. The match saw several academy players making an impact, with goals from Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass, Joshua Zirkzee, and Ethan Williams.
The fixture marked Manchester United‘s second pre-season game, following a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki. Manager Michael Carrick, who has taken over on a full-time basis, used the match to provide opportunities for younger players and those on the fringes of the first team.
Academy players make their mark
Shea Lacey, who started the game, opened the scoring for Manchester United. His goal came after he found space and curled a shot into the far corner, demonstrating a notable display of skill. Lacey’s performance was particularly significant given his recent recovery from a torn thigh muscle that sidelined him for five months during the 2023-24 season. United staff reportedly view Lacey as one of the most likely young players to regularly integrate into Carrick’s first-team squad.
Jacob Devaney, playing in central defence, also found the net with an instinctive first-time finish from a corner. Devaney had previously received praise from Carrick following the loss to Wrexham. Harry Amass, another academy product, converted United’s fourth goal by sliding in at the far post. Amass had impressed during a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday before an injury at Norwich.
Joshua Zirkzee, who started as a striker, contributed an assist for Lacey’s goal before scoring an excellent solo effort himself. Ethan Williams completed the scoring, making it five for United after receiving a cross from Jaydan Kamason, who recorded two assists during the match.
Despite the strong performances from these young players, highly-rated JJ Gabriel, aged 15, remained on the bench and did not make his senior debut. Gabriel’s presence in Carrick’s 25-man travelling squad had led to speculation he might become one of the youngest players to feature for the club. However, Carrick opted not to give him pitch time, a decision also applied to FA Youth Cup final teammate Jim Thwaites.
Match details and team performances
The match was played at the 21,000-capacity Lerkendal Stadium in Trondheim. The decision to shift Rosenborg‘s important league game to accommodate this friendly reportedly caused anger among their supporters, which may have contributed to the visible empty seats at the stadium.
Manchester United‘s starting lineup included Radek Vitek in goal, making his first pre-season start. The defence featured Leny Yoro at right-back, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Luke Shaw. Maguire, who wore the armband, was noted for his leadership and an impressive line-breaking pass. The midfield comprised Andrey Santos and Mason Mount, with Santos creating a chance in the first half and Mount showing sharpness after his previous game against Wrexham.
Upfront, Joshua Zirkzee led the line, supported by Shea Lacey and Bryan Mbeumo on the wings, and Patrick Dorgu. Mbeumo displayed early skill by skipping past defenders, while Dorgu acknowledged the need for further improvement in his role.
Substitutions in the second half saw players like Harry Amass, Jaydan Kamason, Tyler Fletcher, Dan Armer, Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore, Ethan Williams, Chido Obi, Toby Collyer, and Jack Fletcher enter the game. Many of these younger players seized their opportunity, with Kamason’s two assists and Amass’s and Devaney’s goals highlighting their contributions.
Michael Carrick‘s formation for Manchester United was 4-2-3-1, while Rosenborg, managed by Freyr Alexandersson, played in a 4-3-3 formation. The comfortable victory provides a positive momentum for Manchester United as their pre-season campaign continues.
The next few weeks will see more pre-season action from Premier League teams.
Source: bbc.co.uk
