Manchester United kicked off their pre-season for the 2024/25 season with a 0-1 loss against Rosenborg in Norway.
A youthful Manchester United side sprinkled with some experienced players took to the pitch as the slate was wiped clean for everyone ahead of the new season.
Rosenborg predictably remained on top for much of the game, especially in the first half, as the contrast in match rhythm made all the difference (Rosenborg are in the middle of their season).
United huffed and puffed but remained pinned back as they had to thank Radek Vitek for going in goalless at half-time.
They improved in second half as youngsters familiar with each other came on but the theme of Vitek saving United continued until the Norwegian side won it with effectively the last kick of the game.
Here’s how the players rated-
Radek Vitek – 9
Deserved to keep a clean sheet. Rosenborg hit the post once and threatened with other shots but Vitek was up to it every time with some world-class saves, especially a one-on-one which was goalbound. Couldn’t do anything for the goal.
Was rewarded as he remained on the pitch for the second half. A higher-division loan should follow after being at Accrington last season.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
Looked shaky in possession and uncertain in defence apart from one goal-line clearance off a corner. Needs to do much more to make the right-back position a fight.
Will Fish – 6
Enjoyed a lot of possession but most of it was in his own half as Rosenborg barely pressed high. Did the traditional style of defending with composed competence.
Jonny Evans – 6
Similar to Fish in possession but tried some searching balls from deep which didn’t find their target. A good and comfortable outing.
Sam Murray – 6
Rosenborg mostly attacked from the right so he grew into the game with more comfort. Nothing spectacular, he went about his job in an unassuming fashion.
Casemiro – 6
Played one nice pass to Rashford and was on the end of a cynical tackle which could have been much worse for him than it turned out to be. Dependable.
Mason Mount – 7
Started alongside Casemiro as one of the deeper midfielders and showed some nice touches, especially in pinging balls from his own half. Promising.
Hannibal – 5
Tried to get involved in the game from the No 10 position but was always hurried off the ball or panicked in tight spaces. Aggressive as usual.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Looked sharp and confident in possession as he tried to repeatedly run in behind the defence. His work off the ball was a massive improvement.
Ethan Wheatley – 7
Was an enterprising presence upfront as he tried to get the ball to stick on the odd occasion he did get it. Shot straight at the keeper for United’s best chance of the game.
Ethan Williams – 6
Showed some quick feet and nifty touches in tight spaces which demonstrated his potential. Couldn’t do much otherwise as a much-fitter Rosenborg pinned United back.
Substitutes
Habeeb Ogunneye – 7
His forays forward separated him from Wan-Bissaka as United looked more secure in buildup with the youngsters who know each other’s game well after playing with each other in the academy.
Rhys Bennett – 6
One of the few youngsters who had senior football experience coming into the game after his Stockport County loan last season. Did well as Rosenborg piled on the pressure.
Sonny Aljofree – 6
Was calm and composed in the buildup and swept up well when Rosenborg threatened from balls out wide.
Harry Amass – 6
Showed good progressive play from the left but lacked a bit of composure when pressed. Tries to do too much by himself. Can be introduced to the senior team slowly since talent is there.
Maxi Oyedele – 7
Collyer was the more involved deep midfielder but Oyedele didn’t put a foot wrong either as they came up against a spirited opposition press.
Toby Collyer – 8
Got the captain’s armband in another sign of trust by Erik ten Hag. Always showed for the ball and kept it neat and tidy in the No. 6 position. Looks ready for first-team minutes.
James Scanlon – 7
Great run near the beginning of the second half to fashion a chance. His outings with Gibraltar against top opposition have helped him.
Jack Fletcher – 5
A good learning experience for the youngster who had flourished in a dominating U18s side. Rosenborg barely gave him a sniff and he struggled to get involved. Got the experience of doing the “dirty” defensive work instead.
Ethan Ennis – 6
Injected pace and urgency into the attack by taking people on and testing the keeper with a stinging shot. A good impression that lacked any end-product/decision-making.
Joe Hugill – 5
He has been on the fringes of the first team for a while now and Wheatley impressing more than him doesn’t bode well for his future at United. Remained isolated upfront.