Manchester United responded to their opening pre-season defeat with a convincing 5-0 victory over Rosenborg in Trondheim.
The Manchester United win over Rosenborg gave Michael Carrick several encouraging signs, particularly from Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee and the club’s academy players.
Shea Lacey opened the scoring before Zirkzee doubled United’s advantage after half-time. Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams completed the victory, with Jaydan Kamason supplying two assists from right-back. The official Manchester United match report confirmed United also secured their first clean sheet of pre-season.
Carrick demanded a response after the 1-0 defeat against Wrexham. His players delivered one, although greater challenges await against Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Here are five things learned from United’s victory.
What the Manchester United win over Rosenborg revealed
1. Mason Mount may have found his strongest role
Mount again operated in a deeper midfield position, this time alongside Andrey Santos. He pressed aggressively and moved possession quickly without leaving large spaces behind him.
The role allows Mount to influence United’s build-up while still making forward runs. Carrick appears to value his energy in the centre rather than using him permanently behind the striker.
Mount also played in the double pivot against Wrexham and Brighton. Three consecutive appearances there suggest this is more than a temporary pre-season experiment.
2. Joshua Zirkzee deserves another opportunity
Zirkzee produced United’s most complete attacking performance. He dropped away from the centre-backs, connected midfield with attack and created the opening goal with an accurate pass for Lacey.
His own finish was even more impressive. The Netherlands international moved beyond two defenders before rounding the goalkeeper and scoring calmly.
Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Serie A, but his qualities remain different from United’s other forwards. Carrick could use him as a false nine or behind a more conventional striker.
Shea Lacey leads another academy response
3. Lacey is ready for greater responsibility
Lacey’s goal demonstrated why he has attracted so much attention. The winger received possession on the right, moved onto his left foot and curled his finish into the far corner.
The 19-year-old still needs to develop the defensive side of his game. However, his close control and willingness to receive possession in crowded areas could earn him further senior opportunities.
Carrick must manage Lacey carefully, but leaving him outside the first-team picture will become increasingly difficult if he maintains this level.
4. United’s academy pathway remains productive
Carrick eventually fielded an entirely academy-produced outfield team. The younger players did not simply protect the result. They continued attacking and scored the final three goals.
Devaney followed his encouraging display against Wrexham by scoring from close range. ReadManUtd previously examined how the midfielder had earned Carrick’s praise after playing in defence.
Amass finished a move created by Kamason, who later supplied Williams for the fifth goal. Their performances strengthened the argument for academy players to remain involved throughout pre-season.
Carrick makes the right JJ Gabriel decision
5. Patience with Gabriel could protect his development
Much of the build-up surrounded the possibility of Gabriel making his senior debut at 15. Carrick instead kept the forward on the bench.
The decision lacked the excitement of an immediate introduction, but it protected the player from unnecessary pressure. Gabriel will receive opportunities when Carrick believes he is physically and tactically prepared.
United did not need to force the situation. Other academy players took responsibility, while Gabriel experienced a senior matchday from inside the squad.
Carrick also praised Radek Vitek after the goalkeeper played more than 70 minutes. The head coach told Manchester United’s official website he was “really pleased” with the Czech goalkeeper and the collective defensive performance.
The Manchester United win over Rosenborg will not define the season, but it provided useful evidence. Mount has another possible role, Zirkzee remains valuable and the academy continues to give Carrick genuine alternatives.
