Rosenborg vs. Man United

Manchester United’s pre-season kicked off with an unexpected twist as Rosenborg clinched a dramatic 1-0 victory in the dying moments of the match. Here’s a detailed look into what transpired on the field and what this means for Erik ten Hag’s squad moving forward.

A Late Twist

United’s first pre-season friendly seemed destined for a goalless draw until Rosenborg’s Noah Holm struck with virtually the last kick of the game. Holm capitalized on a rebound to net the winner, sending the Lerkendal Stadium into raptures and leaving United players and fans stunned.

Key Takeaways

Vitek’s Heroics: Despite the loss, Radek Vitek, United’s young goalkeeper, put in a commendable performance. Vitek made several crucial saves, including a spectacular stop from Sverre Nypan and a fingertip save onto the crossbar from Tobias Borkeeiet. His efforts kept United in the game until the very end​​.

New Faces and Tactics: The match saw some new and familiar faces on the pitch. Mason Mount played in a deeper midfield role alongside Casemiro, deviating from his usual attacking midfield position. Hannibal Mejbri was given the No. 10 role, showcasing Ten Hag’s tactical flexibility​.

Struggle for Chances: United struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Their first shot on target came in the 39th minute from Ethan Wheatley, while Ethan Ennis forced a save in the 70th minute. These were the only notable attempts on goal, indicating a need for sharper attacking play​.

Ruud’s Return: The presence of former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as part of the coaching staff added an extra layer of excitement. Van Nistelrooy, along with coaches Rene Hake and Jelle ten Rouwelaar, was heavily involved in the pre-match preparations, much to the delight of the fans​.

Fan Reactions

The fans in Trondheim were treated to the debut of United’s new home kit for the 2024/25 season. The new strip, featuring the Snapdragon logo, evoked a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the late 1980s era under Sir Alex Ferguson. The enthusiasm of the 21,013 fans in attendance was palpable, highlighted by Mexican waves and loud cheering throughout the match.

Tactical Insights

Formation and Substitutions: Ten Hag opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, a staple throughout his tenure. The second half saw ten changes, giving many young players an opportunity to impress. Notably, Jack Fletcher took up the No. 10 role, while Joe Hugill led the line. These substitutions are a clear indication of Ten Hag’s intent to assess the depth of his squad ahead of the new season​.

Midfield Dynamics: The pairing of Mount and Casemiro in midfield is a tactical experiment that could have significant implications. While Mount’s role was more defensive than usual, this setup allowed Hannibal to explore his creative potential in the attacking midfield position​.

Moving Forward

United’s next pre-season fixture is against Rangers at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. This match will be another crucial test for the squad as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season. Fans and analysts will be keen to see how Ten Hag adjusts his strategies and whether the team can bounce back from this early setback​.

While the loss to Rosenborg is a disappointing start to Manchester United’s pre-season, it provides valuable insights and learning opportunities. The performance of young talents like Vitek and the tactical experiments by Ten Hag are positive takeaways. As the team gears up for their next fixture, fans will be hoping for a more cohesive display and a return to winning ways.

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