Rosenborg 0 – 5 Manchester United | International Club Friendly | 25 July 2026

Match Overview

Manchester United put on a masterclass in a pre-season friendly, thrashing Norwegian side Rosenborg 5-0 at the Lerkendal Stadion. The Premier League giants dominated from start to finish, showcasing their depth and fluidity ahead of the new campaign. For Rosenborg, it was a harsh lesson against top-level opposition.

Key Moments

• 15th minute: Marcus Rashford opened the scoring, cutting inside from the left and curling a shot into the far corner.
• 33rd minute: New signing Rasmus Højlund doubled the lead with a poacher’s finish after a scramble in the box.
• 56th minute: Bruno Fernandes made it 3-0 with a trademark long-range strike that left the Rosenborg goalkeeper rooted.
• 71st minute: Substitute Alejandro Garnacho added a fourth, dribbling past two defenders before slotting home.
• 88th minute: Garnacho completed his brace with a deflected shot – 5-0.

Tactical Story

Manchester United employed a flexible 4-3-3 that switched to a diamond in midfield when in possession. Their press was coordinated and intense, forcing Rosenborg into mistakes deep in their own half. The visitors’ full-backs pushed high, creating width, while the midfield trio of Casemiro, Fernandes, and Mason Mount controlled the tempo. Rosenborg attempted to play out from the back but were repeatedly caught in possession. They had only one shot on target, a speculative effort saved easily by André Onana.

Standout Players

Alejandro Garnacho was electric off the bench, scoring twice and causing havoc with his direct running. Bruno Fernandes pulled the strings with a goal and two assists, while Marcus Rashford looked sharp in his 60-minute stint. For Rosenborg, midfielder Ole Sæter worked hard but was overwhelmed by United’s pressing.

Season Impact

Friendly results are always taken with a pinch of salt, but Manchester United’s performance will excite fans as they prepare for the Premier League season opener against Chelsea. Rosenborg, still in the middle of their Eliteserien campaign, will use this as a learning experience ahead of key league matches against Molde and Bodø/Glimt.