After a shaky start to their 2026/27 pre-season, Manchester United officially announced their arrival in Trondheim.
Michael Carrick’s squad bounced back from last week’s narrow defeat to Wrexham by delivering a flawless 5-0 demolition of Rosenborg BK on Friday evening. While pre-season friendlies are primarily about building fitness, the sheer quality on display at Lerkendal Stadion proved that United’s famed Carrington academy is still producing top-tier magic.
Here are the key takeaways and the five players who put their names on the scoresheet.
A first-half stroke of brilliance
United dominated possession early on, playing an aggressive, fluid style that kept the Norwegian hosts entirely pinned back. The breakthrough came in the first half courtesy of 19-year-old Shea Lacey, who picked up the ball on the edge of the box and curled a stunning strike into the bottom corner to set the tone for the rest of the evening.
The floodgates open
Carrick’s adjustments at the break allowed United to take full control in the second period. The goals came thick and fast:
- Joshua Zirkzee — capitalized on a defensive error early in the second half, finishing with clinical precision to double the lead.
- Jacob Devaney — turned home from close range to make it three, underlining the midfield dominance United had established.
- Harry Amass — came off the bench to make it 4-0, capping an impressive substitute appearance.
- Ethan Williams — sealed the scoreline deep into stoppage time.
What this means for Carrick’s campaign
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of intent. The integration of youth prospects like Lacey, Devaney, Amass, and Williams alongside established names shows Carrick is building a squad with serious depth.
While sterner tests await — United face Atlético Madrid in Solna, Sweden on August 1st before a tour date against back-to-back European champions PSG — this 5-0 rout provides a massive confidence boost. If these young stars can maintain this level of execution, the Premier League should be on high alert.
What was your favorite moment from the 5-0 win? Drop your thoughts in the comments below