Manchester United thrash Rosenborg 5-0 in a sunny pre-season friendly in Trondheim. Academy graduates took centre stage while 15-year-old JJ Gabriel watched from the bench.
Michael Carrick’s side delivered a dominant performance at Lerkendal Stadion on Friday. Goals from Lacey, Zirkzee, Devaney, Amass and Williams sealed a comfortable win.
Young Guns Steal The Show In Norway
United arrived with a 25-man squad and big expectations around Gabriel. The forward, tipped as the next big thing, did not get on the pitch.
Instead, Carrick gave minutes to players pushing for first-team roles. Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney and Harry Amass all scored and impressed.
The result matters less than the minutes. But the manner of the victory will please Carrick ahead of a tougher schedule.
Lacey Opens Scoring With Classy Finish
Shea Lacey broke the deadlock on 31 minutes. He drifted in from the right in a hybrid number 10 role and curled a shot into the far corner.
It was a goal full of composure. Lacey has been managed carefully after a torn thigh muscle kept him out for five months in 2023-24.
Carrick rates him highly alongside Tyler Fletcher. The manager sees both as most likely to force their way into the senior squad regularly.
Lacey’s only senior minutes last season came at Brighton. An earlier red card against Brighton in the FA Cup cut short his momentum.
Devaney And Amass Make Their Case
Jacob Devaney doubled his pre-season impact. After praise against Wrexham, he scored again with a first-time finish from a corner.
He played in central defence rather than midfield. His assured display added to his case for more opportunities this season.
Harry Amass also got on the scoresheet. He slid in at the far post to convert United’s fourth goal in the 72nd minute.
Amass has filled out physically since Erik ten Hag questioned his size. A loan at Sheffield Wednesday and spell at Norwich helped his development.
Zirkzee And Williams Complete Rout
Joshua Zirkzee scored a superb solo effort in the 56th minute. He picked up the ball, drove forward and finished with confidence.
Ethan Williams added the fifth in the 84th minute. The 19-year-old rounded off a night where youth got the rewards.
Rosenborg had shifted a league game to accommodate the friendly. That decision angered fans and left many empty seats at the 21,000-capacity ground.
United were simply too sharp. The Norwegian side could not cope with United’s movement and tempo.
JJ Gabriel Made To Wait
The big talking point before kick-off was JJ Gabriel. At 15, he was one of the youngest in a United travelling squad in years.
He was a star attraction on arrival. Supporters wanted photos and staff pushed him forward at fan events.
Carrick chose caution. Along with Jim Thwaites, Gabriel was one of two outfield players not used. The manager will protect him from early hype.
“Gabriel’s time will come,” was the clear message. He was prolific at under-18 level last season and remains widely tipped as a future star.
What Carrick Learned
The manager got answers about depth. Lacey looks ready for more minutes if he stays fit. Devaney offers cover in defence and midfield.
Amass looks like a genuine back-up to Luke Shaw. His loan experience and added strength were evident in Norway.
Zirkzee’s solo goal will boost confidence. United need goals from across the front line this season, not just from the main striker.
Carrick also saw the value of rotating. With a league game moved for Rosenborg, the hosts were flat and United capitalised.
Pre-Season Context
This was United’s second friendly after a defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki. The 5-0 win resets the mood in the camp.
Pre-season is about fitness and patterns, not scorelines. But a clean sheet and five goals still send a positive signal.
The opposition will get stronger. Premier League tests will show whether these academy players can step up consistently.
For now, Carrick has names to consider. The squad will travel next with a clearer picture of who is pushing.
Bigger Picture For United Youth
United’s academy continues to produce talent. Lacey, Devaney, Amass and Williams all showed they can contribute.
The club has been criticized for not promoting youth enough. This tour suggests a shift under Carrick’s leadership.
Gabriel’s debut will be managed carefully. At 15, the priority is development, not exposure. The club learned lessons from rushing players before.
Fans in Trondheim still got a glimpse of the future. Even without Gabriel on the pitch, the United youngsters delivered.
Next Steps
United return to training before their next friendly. More senior players are expected to feature as the season approaches.
Carrick will balance minutes between established stars and prospects. The Rosenborg game proved the depth is there.
Manchester United thrash Rosenborg 5-0, but the real win was seeing academy players stake claims for the season ahead.
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