Manchester United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a match against Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in Trondheim. The friendly, held on July 14, 2024, provided an early glimpse into United's preparations under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag, who recently announced the 25-man squad for this pre-season tour, fielded a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters. The match against Rosenborg was crucial not only for fitness assessment but also for tactical experimentation as United geared up for the upcoming season.
United started the game with a strong lineup, featuring established stars like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, alongside new signings who were eager to impress in their first outing for the club. The atmosphere at the Lerkendal Stadium was electric, with both sets of fans enthusiastic about seeing their teams back in action after the summer break.
The first half saw United dominate possession and create several scoring opportunities. The midfield trio of Fernandes, Pogba, and Neves dictated play, showcasing their technical prowess and vision. However, Rosenborg's defense held firm, denying United from converting their chances into goals.
As the game progressed, both managers made multiple substitutions to test different combinations and give valuable playing time to fringe players. United's depth was evident as even the substitutes maintained a high tempo and pressured Rosenborg's defense.
In the second half, Rosenborg started to find their rhythm and posed occasional threats on the counter-attack. United's defense, marshaled by captain Harry Maguire, remained composed under pressure and thwarted Rosenborg's attempts to break the deadlock.
The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when Mason Greenwood, who came on as a substitute, scored a brilliant goal after a slick passing move involving Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho. Greenwood's clinical finish delighted the United fans and highlighted his potential impact in the upcoming season.
The match ended with a 1-0 victory for Manchester United, marking a positive start to their pre-season campaign. The result will provide confidence to the team as they continue their preparations for the competitive challenges ahead.
Overall, the friendly against Rosenborg served its purpose in allowing United to fine-tune their tactics, integrate new signings, and assess the fitness levels of the squad. For fans, it was a glimpse into the potential of the team under Erik ten Hag's guidance and raised anticipation for the upcoming season.
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