Manchester United secured a 5-0 pre-season friendly win against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway, with several academy prospects making a significant impact. Manager Michael Carrick praised the young players, stating they “deserved what they got” after four academy products found the back of the net. This result followed a defeat to Wrexham the previous Saturday, July 18.
Among the goalscorers were Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass, and Ethan Williams. Joshua Zirkzee also contributed with a solo goal. Carrick highlighted the importance of keeping players fit and progressing through pre-season, especially with many first-team regulars recuperating after their participation in the FIFA World Cup.
Academy Talents Shine
Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, and Harry Amass, all 19 years old, were particularly noted for their performances. Lacey’s goal, scored from a hybrid number 10 role, was described as having a “stamp of class” as he curled a shot into the far corner. Bryan Mbeumo played outside him during the match.
Devaney, who had also received praise after the Wrexham defeat in Helsinki, played in central defence despite his preferred midfield position. He demonstrated an assured presence and scored with a first-time finish from a corner. Amass, after loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich, appeared fully fit and converted United’s fourth goal by sliding in at the far post, making a strong case for a role as a back-up to Luke Shaw.
Carrick also commended Radek Vitek, the 22-year-old goalkeeper, who played 71 minutes and maintained a clean sheet. Vitek, a Czech shot-stopper, has not yet played a competitive match for Manchester United, having spent the last three seasons on loan at Accrington Stanley, Blau-Weiss Linz, and Bristol City. He was deputising for Senne Lammens, who was involved in the World Cup quarter-finals with Belgium.
The manager expressed satisfaction with Vitek’s performance, noting he got “good minutes.” Carrick also praised the team’s defensive efforts, stating, “clean sheets are a beautiful thing.” He emphasised the importance of players being in a confident “zone” and his role in fostering that mindset.
Pre-Season Progress and Upcoming Fixtures
The friendly against Rosenborg, who are currently 10th in the Eliteserien, saw Manchester United field a strong starting line-up that included new signing Andrey Santos, along with regular starters Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount. This match served as a recovery from the 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki, where the team also featured many first-team players.
Manchester United‘s pre-season schedule continues with a trip to Stockholm to face Atletico Madrid. Further fixtures are planned against Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds, and AC Milan. The club’s Premier League campaign is set to begin on Saturday, August 22, against newly-promoted Hull City. Subsequent matches before the international break include encounters with Ipswich, Everton, Manchester City, and Fulham.
Carrick, who took over as interim manager in January to replace Ruben Amorim, was given the job permanently after guiding the team to a third-placed finish in the Premier League, having inherited a side in seventh place and out of all cup competitions. He has already invested over £80 million this summer on Santos and Youri Tielemans to strengthen the squad for challenges across multiple competitions.
Source: tntsports.co.uk
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
