Manchester United got their 2024/2025 campaign underway with the first of their 5 pre-season fixtures to come over the summer, starting off with a trip to Norway, where a crowd of around 20,000 witnessed Rosenborg take on United in a pre-season encounter as many of United’s first XI returned to action, while some taking part in international duty are still to return.

Given Rosenborg are mid-season in Norway, United struggled to show their dominance and fell to a defeat which was about fair given the nature of the fixture. United will be disappointed to start with a defeat after ending the previous campaign on a high, but the positivity of seeing a blend of youth and experience is certainly something that Ten Hag will benefit from as he learns more about his side.

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Teams

Rosenborg BK: Tangvik (Sandberg 46′), Reitan (Andersson 61′), Nemcik (Jenssen 46′), Ceide (Sandroed 61′), Cornic (Volden 61′), Nypan (Frederiksen 46′), Selnaes (Dalh 61′), Tagseth (Borkeeiet 61′), Reitran-Sunde (Sadiku 61′), Saeter (Holte 61′), Broholm (Holm 61′)

Subs: Saeveraas, Vaananen

Manchester United: Vitek, Murray (Ogunneye 46′), Evans (Amass 46′), Fish (Bennett 46′), Wan-Bissaka (Aljofree 46′), Mount (Fletcher 46′), Casemiro (Scanlon 46′), Rashford (Oyedele 46′), Mejbri (Collyer 46′), Williams (Ennis 46′), Wheatley (Hugill 46′)

Subs: Mee, Harrison, Jackson, Mather

Rosenborg BK 1-0 Manchester United

Rosenborg secured a dramatic late victory over Manchester United in Trondheim, edging past the Red Devils 1–0 at Lerkendal Stadion. After a largely even contest, the breakthrough came deep into stoppage time. With just the last kick of the game, substitute Noah Holm slotted home from close range to seal the win for the hosts.

For much of the match, Manchester United appeared on course for a goalless draw. Erik ten Hag rotated heavily, alternating between experienced senior figures like Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and a youthful bench. Radek Vitek, the Czech goalkeeper making his senior debut, performed admirably, saving multiple Rosenborg efforts and keeping the score line tight until the late drama. Rosenborg themselves dominated possession and fired off 22 shots, hitting the woodwork on four occasions before Holm’s late finish.

Manchester United now move on, with ten Hag admitting they were “by far not good enough” and lamenting the lack of cutting edge when it mattered. For Rosenborg, still in full domestic-season rhythm, it was a stylish demonstration of their mid-season form and fitness. Conversely, United’s pre-season fitness work is still underway, and this late setback should serve as a stern wake‑up call before more challenging encounters lie ahead.

Talking Points

Manchester United’s pre-season campaign began with a frustrating 1–0 defeat to Rosenborg BK in Trondheim, as Erik ten Hag’s side were undone by a stoppage-time goal in what was their first fixture of the summer schedule. With key players still easing their way back into fitness and others returning from international duty, the game marked the beginning of United’s preparations for the 2024/25 campaign. The match, played in front of a lively crowd at Lerkendal Stadion, saw the visitors struggle to find rhythm or consistency, a familiar trait in early pre-season outings.

The late concession, however, will sting. Rosenborg, already mid-way through their Norwegian domestic season and clearly the sharper side, finally broke the deadlock with virtually the last kick of the match as substitute Noah Holm finished off a rebound in the 92nd minute after United failed to clear their lines. Despite some bright moments and solid individual performances, particularly from young goalkeeper Radek Vitek, United were second best for long periods. Hitting the woodwork four times, Rosenborg were full value for their win, leaving Ten Hag to label the performance as “by far not good enough” in his post-match interview.

One of the few positives for United was the opportunity to blend experience with youth. The likes of Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Marcus Rashford featured in the starting XI, while emerging talents such as Ethan Wheatley were given valuable minutes. It offered a glimpse of United’s long-term depth but also highlighted the work still required to find cohesion. With tougher tests on the horizon and fitness levels still building, Ten Hag will expect a much-improved showing in their next outing as the club prepares for what will be a demanding new season.