Manchester United took on Rosenborg in Norway with a few new faces in the dugout.
Manager Erik ten Hag has added to his coaching staff during the off-season, bringing in Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.
The new staff were all together as Manchester United took on Rosenborg in the club’s first pre-season fixture.
United lost the game 1-0 due to an injury time strike, but there positives to to take from the game in Norway.
Ronny Johnsen chat with Ruud van Nistelrooy
Former Manchester United defender Ronny Johnsen was in his native Norway to watch the fixture, helping to cover the game for MUTV.
He took the opportunity to speak to his former teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy before kick-off.
And he admits he asked if he believed his old striking secrets could be passed onto Manchester United’s current forwards.
Johnsen told MUTV: “I had a long chat with Ruud and that was something we are talking about, is it possible to give away the things you were good at, to the young guys?
“He said yes, as long as they are ready to learn, listen and try really hard.
“What a finisher he was. He was so accurate, so quick and so precise, it was so difficult for goalkeepers.”
Van Nistelrooy passes on his tips
Van Nistelrooy was spotted speaking with Marcus Rashford before kick-off, and also to second half forward Joe Hugill in the second half.
New coach Van Nistelrooy’s advice was not restricted to the strikers. He was seen during the second half also pulling left-back Harry Amass aside to impart some advice.
Manchester United did not manage to score against Rosenborg, but plenty of goals lie ahead during the 2024/25 season for the Red Devils.
Dutch talent Sem Steijn explained how advice from Van Nistelrooy helped him out. He scored 19 goals in all competitions last season in the Netherlands.
Meanwhile former teammate Rio Ferdinand branded Van Nistelrooy as one of the ‘hardest hitters’ of the ball he has ever seen.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee will be looking forward to working with him.