Manchester United returned to action, kicking off the 2024 season with a pre-season clash in Norway.
Erik ten Hag’s side have been defeated 1-0 in Norway after conceding an injury time winner. It was the first of five Manchester United pre-season games, before the Community Shield on August 10.
United In Focus have been providing live updates through the Manchester United vs Rosenborg game, in addition to instant post-match coverage.
Final thoughts
It’s never nice to lose games but the final score really is not important here. This game was about getting fitness in for key players, and we will see the benefit later down the line.
This was a tough test against a team in the midst of their season, and it was particularly refreshing to see a standout performance from young goalkeeper Radek Vitek. In midfield Toby Collyer also played very well
It was essential to get through with no injuries, and there will hopefully be more first team players back for the next pre-season game against Rangers this coming Saturday.
Our live coverage is now signing off – keep checking back across the site for updates this evening and tomorrow morning.
Erik ten Hag says there were no injuries
This is an important update! Erik ten Hag says he expects every player back in training tomorrow, with no real injury issues reported, despite a few firm tackles.
He is frustrated to lose, telling MUTV: “At Man United there is a standard you win games.
“If you can’t win, don’t lose. [But] the performance is more important.”
[Link]Jonny Evans praises Radek Vitek
Jonny Evans has told MUTV he was impressed with goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who played all 90 minutes.
He said: “He can be pleased, he went out on loan last year, I spoke to him when he came back, he really enjoyed playing.
“He’s got great presence, a great shot stopper, and had a great game today.”
[Link]Manchester United player ratings
Our ratings for all 21 Manchester United players who featured against Rosenborg are in…
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Full-time
Rosenborg snatch the win with the last kick of the game. It is hard to say it was not deserved.
At the same time, Manchester United will feel a little unlucky in the circumstances, having fought all game to keep them out. Radek Vitek really deserved a clean sheet.
[Link]Rosenborg score the winner: 1-0
Rosenborg score in the 93rd minute. A cross falls kindly to Magnus Holte, who scores from five yards out. Radek Vitek stood no chance with that one.
[Link]Ethan Ennis drives United forward
With United pinned back in their final third, Ethan Ennis takes it on himself to beat two Rosenborg players and get the team up the pitch. The young winger has looked lively.
We are into stoppage time now…
[Link]Radek Vitek makes point blank save
Radek Vitek bails Manchester United out with a point blank save to deny Rosenborg the lead.
Along with the woodwork, Vitek is keeping United in this game, and he mops up again by claiming another cross.
[Link]10 minutes to go
Rosenborg are dominating possession but United’s young side are holding on. Let’s see if they can see out a draw, or even go up the other end and score a winner…
Water break
A brief break in proceedings as the players grab water and gather round manager Erik ten Hag, who passes on his instructions.
[Link]Ethan Ennis almost scores for United
Youngster Ethan Ennis cuts in and fires a lethal right-footed shot shot from 25 yards out, which forces a one-handed reflex save.
[Link]Rosenborg hit the woodwork for a fourth time
Let’s chalk up another time Rosenborg have hit the woodwork. This one came from a tight angle and hit the post. Radek Vitek looked to have it covered.
[Link]Rosenborg hit the woodwork for a third time
Radek Vitek makes an incredible save to tip a Rosenborg effort onto the post. He has been unbeatable so far. Still 0-0.
[Link]Rosenborg play ‘unforgivable’
MUTV commentator Ben Thornley slams an ‘unforgivable’ piece of play from Rosenborg as they fire a shot into the side netting instead of squaring it across the box.
At the other end Ethan Ennis drives into the Rosenborg box but sees his shot blocked.
Rosenborg are preparing to make several changes, while Toby Collyer tracks back superbly to stop an attack.
[Link]Young players have listened to Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag wants his Manchester United to retain a DNA through the age groups and these young players have certainly been listening.
They are trying to play out from the back and there is some excellent interplay between Toby Collyer, Habeeb Ogunneye and Maxi Oyedele, while Radek Vitek is very comfortable with the ball at his feet.
[Link]Good play from Collyer wins free-kick
United’s young XI have started the second half well. It has been a little scrappy with so many changes.
Toby Collyer has made a good early impression, evading two Rosenborg challenges to win a free-kick.
[Link]Second half XI features 10 changes
Manchester United are making numerous changes for the second half, with Radek Vitek the only player staying on. Here is a look at the latest XI.
Second half XI: Vitek; Ogunneye, Bennett, Aljofree, Amass; Collyer, Oyedele, Jack Fletcher; Ennis, Scanlon, Hugill
Toby Collyer is wearing the captain’s armband,
Rosenborg are making substitutions too.
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Erik ten Hag had a clear message before the game
Erik ten Hag wants all his players to ‘earn’ the right to play for Manchester United and made this clear ahead of kick-off.
Changes are expected in the second half and we will see if any of the youngsters can heed his words.
Ronny Johnsen impressed with Radek Vitek
Treble winner Ronny Johnsen is impressed with Manchester United’s young goalkeeper.
The Norweigan tells MUTV: “A few very good saves from Vitek, he’s done really well.”
“From United’s point of view they need more tempo on the ball,” he adds.
[Link]Half-time: 0-0
Manchester United are a little lucky to enter the game goalless at half-time. It has been a good test so far.
The bigger names, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford have struggled to make an impact in attack.
Ethan Williams, Hannibal and Ethan Wheatley have worked hard but it has been a struggle to break Rosenborg down.
United have rode their luck at the other end, Rosenborg have hit the post, bar, and had a goal ruled out for offside. There has been some great goalkeeping from Radek Vitek too.
Radek Vitek staking a MOTM claim
If Radek Vitek only plays 45 minutes then he will reflect on an outstanding first half.
He parries a shot out for a corner and then claims the cross. He has been commanding in goal, and show United may have a special talent at the position to turn to in the future.
[Link]United get lucky, still 0-0
Somehow the score is still 0-0.
Rosenborg hit the bar, then United miss the chance to clear their lines. Radek Vitek comes to United’s rescue with a save from point blank range.
[Link]Ethan Wheatley forces a save
Manchester United’s first shot on target comes via young striker Ethan Wheatley.
It was a smart snapshot from the edge of the box, parried away by the goalkeeper. It was a bit too central, however.
[Link]Jonny Evans proving his worth
Amid all the young talent on the pitch, you know who is standing out? 36-year-old Jonny Evans.
The Northern Ireland international signed a new deal with United last week and he will be an experienced help this season once again.
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Double save from Radek Vitek
Radek Vitek is making a really good impression here. He makes an important double save to deny Rosenborg taking the lead.
Will Fish will be particularly glad with the second one, after he deflected a cross and almost ended up scoring an own goal.
Still 0-0.
End to end
Rosenborg fire a shot wide after a counter-attack. At the other end, Ethan Wheatley put a dangerous low shot into the box, which was cut out by the Rosenborg defence.
The players are getting a good test so far!
[Link]Rosenborg hit the post
The Norwegians are pushing hard and have just hit the post. Radek Vitek may have got a touch to help the shot on its way.
[Link]United attackers working hard
Ethan Williams makes an important interception inside his own box to cut out a Rosenborg attack.
United need to get their attackers on the ball at the other end, but Erik ten Hag will be pleased with the work rate.
It’s been a quiet start for Marcus Rashford too so far…
[Link]Rosenborg yellow card
Casemiro suffers a painful looking injury after being scythed down near the centre-circle.
Tomas Nemcik is booked after a high tackle where he went over the ball. Casemiro is up and able to carry on, thankfully.
[Link]Ethan Wheatley asking questions in attack
Young striker Ethan Wheatley is putting himself about in attack and asking questions of the last defender.
He had a good touch inside the box from a Casemiro pass but Rosenborg were able to cut it out before he had a chance to score.
[Link]Rosenborg offside goal
Rosenborg score but the goal is immediately ruled out due to offside. It is a close one though!
[Link]Aaron Wan-Bissaka to the rescue
A dangerous Rosenborg corner evades everybody, except Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who fires the ball upfield to clear the danger.
[Link]Mason Mount trying to create
Manchester United’s number seven splits the Rosenborg defence with a cross-field ball, but it just asks too much of Ethan Williams, and it goes out for a goal-kick.
[Link]Early touches for Vitek
United are playing out from the back and there are lots of early touches for young goalkeeper Radek Vitek in possession.
Mason Mount’s first impact is to win a free-kick just inside the Rosenborg half.
[Link]Rosenborg start stronger
Sverre Nypan has an early shot which is deflected wide for a corner, and a resulting header goes over.
Rosenborg are in the midst of their league season so this could be a tough test for United.
[Link]Kick-off: Reminder of Manchester United’s starting XI
Manchester United have kicked off, wearing the new kit for the first time. Here is a reminder of the starting XI
Starting XI: Vitek; Wan-Bissaka, Fish, Evans, Murray; Mount, Hannibal, Casemiro; Rashford, Williams, Wheatley
Substitutes: Harrison, Aljofree, Amass, Mee, Bennett, Jackson, Ogunneye, Collyer, Jack Fletcher, Oyedele, Scanlon, Ennis, Hugill
No Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United’s newest signing Joshua Zirkzee won’t be involved this afternoon.
He explained after clinching his deal: “I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”
Zirkzee is expected to be back with United in time for the pre-season tour of the USA.
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Manchester United players are out to warm up
Casemiro is captaining Manchester United today with Bruno Fernandes still away after his time at Euro 2024.
The Brazilian was surprisingly left out of his country’s Copa America squad.
There have been big question marks over his future at United, but amid an inexperienced squad today, aside from Jonny Evans, he has a part to play this afternoon.
[Link]Erik ten Hag has explained what he wants to see
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told MUTV he wants his players to show what they have been working on in training at Carrington.
He said: “It’s always exciting going into a new season. We have had one week training and we want to see something we have put into the training we can transfer into this match.
“I want to see they are acting like Man United, team spirit, energy, intensity, deal with the ball, give each other options.”
Radek Vitek set to start in goal
Look out for a towering presence in goal for Manchester United, with Radek Vitek set to start.
Vitek did feature as a substitute against Wrexham last summer, and this is another opportunity for him.
The FA Youth Cup winner spent the second half of last season out on loan for the first time and another loan move could be likely.
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Keep an eye on Rosenborg’s number 41
Rosenborg have selected teenager Sverre Nypan in their starting line-up. He has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Nypan has compared himself to Ander Herrera in style and admitted he also idolised Cristiano Ronaldo.
A few days ago he spoke about Manchester United’s interest…
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Manchester United’s missing men
Here is a reminder of all the players unavailable for Manchester United today, for varying reasons…
Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Shaw, Malacia, Maguire, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Fernandes, Amad, Pellistri, McTominay, Gore, Antony, Sancho, Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee
[Link]Watch out for Ethan Williams
There are a number of young players in the Manchester United starting XI and Ethan Williams is one to really keep a close eye on.
Williams scored and assisted 23 goals in all competitions last season, contributing at under-18s and under-21s level, and at times he was devastating alongside Ethan Wheatley.
He can play across the front three, is a threat from set pieces, and has a knack for scoring from outside the box. And he signed a new contract just last week.
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Confirmed Manchester United XI v Rosenborg
The first confirmed Manchester United line-up of 2024 has been announced…
Starting XI: Vitek; Wan-Bissaka, Fish, Evans, Murray; Mount, Hannibal, Casemiro; Rashford, Williams, Wheatley
Substitutes: Harrison, Aljofree, Amass, Mee, Bennett, Jackson, Ogunneye, Collyer, Jack Fletcher, Oyedele, Scanlon, Ennis, Hugill
[Link]Under-18s stars could take centre stage
Last season saw Manchester United’s under-18s win three trophies, and many of those players will be involved this afternoon in some capacity.
Keep a particular eye out for Harry Amass, James Scanlon, Ethan Williams and Ethan Wheatley.
FA Youth Cup winners Radek Vitek, Louis Jackson, Sam Murray and Sam Mather are also ready to make an impact.
[Link]How to follow Manchester United vs Rosenborg
Everything you need to know about this afternoon’s clash in one place.
Including how to watch the Red Devils in action during their first pre-season match of the summer.
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Manchester United return to Norway
The Red Devils have returned to Norway after kickstarting last summer’s pre-season with a 2-0 win over Leeds United in Oslo.
Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill netted for United after Erik ten Hag changed his entire XI at half-time.
It was Mason Mount’s very first outing in United colours after completing his move from Chelsea – the No.7 will hope to be back in action against Rosenborg this afternoon.
[Link]Six things to watch out for vs Rosenborg
There is bound to be plenty of talking points as United kick-off their pre-season preparations against Rosenborg.
With Erik ten Hag taking a youthful squad to Norway there is a great opportunity for fans to get a good look at the club’s up-and-coming stars.
Plus, with Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford available for selection, the senior duo will want to start their summer on a high note.
We have highlighted six things to watch out for when United kick off their first pre-season clash.
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Eyes on the Manchester United dugout
Not only will fans be treated to a much-changed lineup on the pitch against Rosenborg, but it will also be the first match for United’s new-look backroom staff.
It is the first match that will see Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake join Erik ten Hag in the United dugout.
The club confirmed on Thursday that the Dutch duo have been appointed as assistant managers until 2026.
[Link]Predicted Manchester United XI
United’s squad is a real mix of youth and experience, and in some positions the Red Devils are particularly light.
One of these is in goal, where Erik ten Hag must pick one of Radek Vitek, Dermot Mee and Elyh Harrison.
This is how we forecast United will line-up to kick-off, and remember we could easily see 11 changes at half-time…
Vitek; Amass, Fish, Evans, Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Collyer, Mount; Rashford, Mather, Wheatley
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Manchester United squad v Rosenborg
Welcome to our live blog for Manchester United v Rosenborg. It is great to have club football back finally.
Pre-season games are typically about building up fitness but these are also a great chance for young players to make a name for themselves, and there are lots in today’s squad.
United have named a 25-man squad for the friendly, with some big names like Marcus Rashford – but there are lots of players missing too.
All of the Euro 2024 and Copa America players are not back, while Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Antony are all absent.
Goalkeepers: Elye Harrison, Dermot Mee, Radek Vitek
Defenders: Harry Amass, Sonny Aljofree, Rhys Bennett, Jonny Evans, Will Fish, Louis Jackson, Sam Murray, Habeeb Ogunneye, Maxi Oyedele, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Jack Fletcher, Hannibal Mejbri, Sam Mather, Mason Mount, James Scanlon, Ethan Williams.
Forwards: Ethan Ennis, Joe Hugill, Marcus Rashford, Ethan Wheatley
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