Manchester United opened their 2026/27 pre-season with a commanding 5-0 dismantling of Norwegian club Rosenborg in Trondheim, delivering a performance that offered plenty of encouragement for manager Michael Carrick heading into the new campaign.

A new shape to 'Carrick-ball'

When Carrick first took the reins at United on a temporary basis, his approach centred heavily on fast transitions — exploiting pace on the flanks through players like Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu, with Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha pulling the strings in behind. The numbers backed it up: United ranked third in fast breaks per game and joint first in goals scored from fast breaks per 90.

That same period exposed a chronic weakness. United ranked 13th in possession and 11th in average possession duration — a familiar problem that has haunted the club since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, and one that left them vulnerable against low-block defences.

Against Rosenborg — a side 13 games into their own league campaign and physically fresh — United looked a different animal. Without Fernandes or Cunha, they dominated possession with ease, pulling the Norwegians apart through combination play rather than the counter. It is a clear signal that Carrick, now installed as permanent boss, is broadening his tactical palette — and arguably explains the attraction of signing Youri Tielemans.

Zirkzee dazzles in 60-minute cameo

Joshua Zirkzee was the undisputed standout on the night. The number 11 has divided opinion since arriving at Old Trafford in 2024 — neither convincing as a centre-forward nor capable of displacing Fernandes in the ten role — yet flashes of his technical brilliance have always drawn comparisons to Dimitar Berbatov.

In Trondheim, he was exceptional. He functioned as a magnet for the ball, sharp on the half-turn and consistently linking the play. He assisted the opening goal before scoring a second that was nothing short of breathtaking — a give-and-go with substitute Harry Amass, followed by footwork that bamboozled two defenders and then the Rosenborg goalkeeper before he slotted into an empty net.

Yet questions linger. The tempo of a pre-season friendly suits Zirkzee far better than the relentless pace of Premier League football. Benjamin Sesko appears the likelier candidate to lead the line, and what Trondheim may have revealed is how Carrick envisions deploying the Dutchman in a supporting role alongside the Slovenian once Sesko is fully fit.

Carrington's academy graduates grab the spotlight

United's famed youth production line was very much on show. Shea Lacey started at number 10 and grew steadily into the match. The 19-year-old has flickered in the first team before — most memorably nearly netting a screamer in a 2-2 draw with Burnley — but here he looked composed in a more prominent role, finishing the opener with authority and earning the fan-voted player of the match award.

Harry Amass came on at half-time and made an immediate impression. The left-back's progress was disrupted by injury during a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season, but he showed sharp positional instincts going forward, defended capably on the left flank, and capped his cameo with a goal. With United in the market for a left-back, Amass made a strong case to serve as Luke Shaw's permanent deputy.

Jacob Devaney and Ethan Williams also got on the scoresheet — moments they will treasure. But the quiet revelation of the evening was 19-year-old right-back Jaydan Kamason. He was caught out of position without the ball on a couple of occasions, yet on it he was electric — delivering two assists with the kind of low, incisive crossing more associated with a winger. The volume of minutes Carrick afforded him spoke to the confidence the manager has in the youngster.

JJ Gabriel watches from the bench

The travelling squad included 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel, and his presence generated considerable excitement among supporters hoping for a glimpse of the teenager. He did not receive a single minute, however, sitting on the bench throughout in his fluorescent bib.

That should not be read as a sign of permanent exclusion. Carrick indicated before the match that Gabriel would feature in upcoming pre-season fixtures. United Academy Director Stephen Torpey counselled patience back in May — a message that still applies. The wait goes on.