Zirkzee and wonderkid Lacey shine as Man Utd thrash Rosenborg 5-0

Manchester United thrashed Rosenborg 5-0 in a pre-season friendly in Norway, with Joshua Zirkzee and teenage forward Shea Lacey both on the scoresheet as Michael Carrick’s side responded emphatically to their opening defeat of the summer.

United had lost 1-0 to Wrexham in Finland just days earlier, but there was no repeat of that slip-up against the Norwegian top-flight club. Goals also came from Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams as Carrick’s squad, blending fringe first-teamers with academy graduates, delivered a statement pre-season performance.

Lacey announces himself

It was 19-year-old Lacey who broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, latching onto a through-ball from Zirkzee to race clear of Rosenborg’s high defensive line. The striker cut inside onto his favoured left foot before curling a finish beyond the goalkeeper for his first goal at senior level, even if it came in a friendly rather than a competitive fixture.

The move sparked a moment of on-pitch friction, with Patrick Dorgu appearing to want the ball squared across rather than Lacey shooting himself. Dorgu threw his arms up in apparent frustration before jogging over to congratulate the youngster once the goal went in.

Zirkzee turns provider into scorer

Zirkzee, who started only one of Carrick’s 17 matches in charge last season and has been linked with a move to Juventus this summer, further boosted his pre-season case by turning from creator to finisher shortly after the restart, doubling United’s advantage. His display will offer encouragement to those inside Old Trafford who believe the Dutchman can still force his way back into contention under Carrick.

Leny Yoro also went close before half-time, heading against the crossbar as United dominated for long spells. Carrick used the break to freshen his side, withdrawing senior figures Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in favour of Jaydan Kamason and Harry Amass, further underlining the manager’s willingness to blood young talent during the tour.

Young legs impress again

Amass duly got on the scoresheet after coming on, with further goals from Devaney and Williams rounding off the scoreline in United’s favour. It continued a theme of the trip, with academy products regularly making an impact alongside more established squad members.

Carrick’s men will hope the emphatic win in Norway proves a more accurate guide to their pre-season form than the reverse against Wrexham, as United continue building towards the new campaign with fitness, fringe options and academy prospects all firmly under the spotlight.

Sources

• dailymail.com
• The Mirror

This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.