Manchester United secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Norwegian side Rosenborg in their second pre-season friendly on Friday, July 24, 2026. The commanding performance at Lerkendal Stadium in Trondheim saw Joshua Zirkzee deliver a masterful display, earning a 9/10 rating from one publication and effectively adapting to a new forward role. The win marked manager Michael Carrick's first of the 2026/27 pre-season campaign, following an earlier defeat to Wrexham.[manutd+10]
Zirkzee's Evolved Forward Play Shines
Joshua Zirkzee, rated 9/10 by The Peoples Person, proved pivotal in United's attacking prowess. Other outlets also praised his performance, with Sky Sports and Manchester Evening News awarding him an 8/10. The Dutch international, who scored United's second goal, showcased an impressive all-round display that hinted at an evolving position within Carrick's system. Zirkzee regularly dropped deeper from the forward line, linking with the midfield and acting as a "sponge for possession". This allowed him to bring teammates into play and build attacks, a more withdrawn and creative forward role than a traditional striker.[thepeoplesperson+10]
His goal in the 56th minute was a moment of individual brilliance. Zirkzee cut inside, skillfully rounded the goalkeeper, and tapped the ball into an empty net, doubling United's lead. This blend of goalscoring instinct and deeper creative play suggests he is making this adapted forward role his own.[skysports+5]
Youthful Talent and Defensive Solidity Impress
Beyond Zirkzee, several other Manchester United players delivered strong performances. Young winger Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the 31st minute with an excellent curling finish and received an 8/10 rating from multiple sources. Lacey was deployed in a more central role, operating off Zirkzee, a tactical tweak that paid dividends. Experienced defender Harry Maguire also earned an 8/10 for an accomplished performance at the heart of United's defense, providing a vocal presence for his younger teammates.[manutd+10]
The second half saw a wave of substitutions, bringing on more academy graduates who continued to impress. Right-back Jaydan Kamason, introduced at halftime, was particularly electric, earning an 8/10 rating. Kamason delivered two crucial assists, showcasing "footwork like that of a winger" and a "fantastic eye for a low cross". His attacking contributions from the full-back position highlighted a dynamic and offensive approach to the role. Fellow substitute Harry Amass also scored, tapping in United's fourth goal after good work from Kamason.[thepeoplesperson+13]
Carrick's Tactical Blueprint Takes Shape
This dominant victory provides Michael Carrick, now in his permanent head coach role, valuable insights into his squad as preparations for the 2026/27 season continue. The team's performance showed a distinct evolution in style compared to previous seasons, with a comfortable command of possession and effective build-up play. While Carrick's initial tenure emphasized transitions and fast breaks, this match suggested a move towards a more controlled, possession-based approach, with Zirkzee playing a crucial role in making the ball stick in attack.[skysports+3]
Andrey Santos, rated 7/10, caught the eye with a brilliant display in midfield, covering significant ground and consistently looking for forward passes. Mason Mount, with a 6.5/10 rating, appeared sharper in his second pre-season outing, contributing with crisp passing and intelligent movement. These midfield performances underscore a growing control in the central areas for United.[thepeoplesperson+3]
Pre-Season Progress and Future Outlook
The 5-0 win over Rosenborg serves as a significant boost for Manchester United after their opening pre-season defeat to Wrexham. The team's five goals came from five different scorers: Lacey, Zirkzee, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass, and Ethan Williams. Rosenborg, who are midway through their Eliteserien campaign, struggled to create meaningful chances against United's resolute defense.[skysports+12]
Manchester United's pre-season schedule continues with challenging fixtures against Atletico Madrid on August 1, Paris Saint-Germain on August 8, and Leeds United on August 12. These upcoming matches will offer further opportunities for Carrick to refine his tactics and for players like Zirkzee to solidify their evolving roles ahead of the Premier League season, which begins on August 22, 2026. The strong showing against Rosenborg sets a positive tone for the remainder of their preparations.[manutd+4]
