Four academy prospects were on target as Manchester United bounced back from a recent defeat to claim a dominant 5-0 pre-season victory over Rosenborg in Trondheim.
Despite Rosenborg being midway through their domestic Eliteserien campaign and holding a significant fitness advantage, Michael Carrick’s side dictated the possession and tempo from the outset.
The visitors threatened to break the deadlock early on when Patrick Dorgu struck the post in the 28th minute, signaling their clear attacking intent at the Lerkendal Stadion.
Shea Lacey eventually opened the scoring just three minutes later, finishing confidently after being set up by Joshua Zirkzee to give the English side a deserved lead.
Leny Yoro nearly doubled the advantage shortly before half-time but saw his powerful header crash against the crossbar, temporarily keeping the Norwegian hosts in the contest.
United extended their lead 11 minutes into the second half when Zirkzee turned from provider to goalscorer, finding the net following an assist from Harry Amass.
Carrick opted to make wholesale substitutions on the hour mark, introducing eight academy players to see out the remainder of the fixture and inject fresh energy.
The youthful lineup quickly made an impact as midfielder Jacob Devaney added a third goal in the 63rd minute, putting the result entirely beyond any lingering doubt.
Emil Ceide hit the crossbar for Rosenborg in a rare attacking foray, but Amass then scored United’s fourth in the 72nd minute courtesy of a Jaydan Kamason pass.
Ethan Williams completed the scoring in the 84th minute, slotting home a clinical finish after Kamason provided his second assist of a highly productive substitute appearance.
Carrick expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s physical progress, noting that keeping players fit and safely progressing through the pre-season schedule is as important as the result itself.
The manager also praised his young talents, highlighting how the academy players expressed themselves and continually pushed themselves to be better during an excellent second-half display.
Manchester United will next travel to face Atletico Madrid in Stockholm on August 1, while Rosenborg must quickly regroup as they return to competitive league action against Fredrikstad.
