Erik ten Hag’s team suffered a 0-1 defeat against Rosenborg in their first friendly match, kicking off ahead of the 2024/25 season. Manchester United faced a humiliating loss due to Noah Holm’s goal in the 90+3 minute. The “Red Devils” were fortunate as Rosenborg hit the woodwork three times; otherwise, they could have faced a heavier defeat in this match.

Rosenborg, United’s opponent, is a relatively lesser-known club from Norway. The total squad value of Rosenborg is just around 30 million euros. With the advantage of playing at home and high spirits, the Norwegian side dominated Manchester United for most of the game. They had 55% possession and managed 22 shots (compared to United’s 5), thus deserving their victory.

Manchester United were missing many key players against Rosenborg. Despite fielding Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Marcus Rashford, the team’s performance in the first half was disappointing. The “Red Devils” failed to create any dangerous attacks or shots on target against Rosenborg.

The central midfield duo of Casemiro and Mount struggled, leaving United unable to control the game. Most of United’s first-half attacks relied on individual efforts from Rashford. Promising young players for United like Hannibal Mejbri, Ethan Williams, and Athan Wheatley showed little in the first half.

In the second half, Erik ten Hag substituted the entire starting lineup. The young players who came on in the latter half couldn’t improve United’s performance.

The display against Rosenborg might limit opportunities for many young United players in upcoming crucial friendly matches. Meanwhile, Casemiro and Rashford didn’t show readiness for the new season.

Ten Hag has four more friendly matches to fine-tune his squad before facing Manchester City in the 2024/25 English Super Cup. The next match will focus on the return of Jadon Sancho to the lineup. New signing Joshua Zirkzee could also integrate with his new teammates starting from the upcoming match against Rangers on July 20th.