Rosenborg vs. Man Utd: Everything You Need to Know Before the Showdown

Manchester United face their second preseason friendly of the summer as they take on Norwegian outfit Rosenborg on Friday.

The Red Devils were stunned by second-division Wrexham in their opening warmup fixture ahead of the 2026–27 season, with Sam Smith's first-half goal proving to be the decisive strike during the encounter in Finland last Saturday.

Although Michael Carrick is still missing a large number of first-team players due to the World Cup, he was nonetheless able to field a reasonably strong starting lineup for the opening half against Wrexham, before turning to his younger academy talents after the interval.

The outcome of Friday's fixture carries little weight, but Carrick will still demand a positive result from his squad against a Rosenborg side currently in the thick of their domestic season—and therefore well up to match speed.

Rosenborg vs. Man Utd Score Prediction

Man Utd's Wait for First Friendly Win Continues

United were far from their fluid best against Wrexham, with the performance and result reflecting a disrupted preseason and the absence of several key players. While little has changed heading into Friday's match, Carrick will still be looking for three points.

Even without the contributions of Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, and Kobbie Mainoo, United possess enough quality to get past their hosts, though Rosenborg's greater match fitness will help level the contest.

Friendlies are known for throwing up strange and unpredictable outcomes. Under normal circumstances, United would cruise past Rosenborg, but Friday's clash could prove far more challenging than expected.

Prediction: Rosenborg 1–1 Man Utd

Rosenborg Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Rosenborg are not expected to deviate significantly from their regular XI. Despite this being a friendly, it represents a major occasion for the Norwegian club against one of football's most storied sides.

Dino Islamović appears to be the only notable absentee for Rosenborg at this stage, with the Montenegro international currently sidelined by a calf problem.

Copenhagen loanee Amin Chiakha, who scored twice in his last outing, will pose a constant threat to United's backline, while winger Emil Konradsen Ceïde serves as Rosenborg's primary playmaker with three assists to his name this season.

Rosenborg predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-3-3): Wahlstedt; Svensson, M.K. Ceïde, Nemčík, Pereira; Bomholt, Selnæs, Fossum; Ďuriš, Chiakha, E.K. Ceïde.

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Rosenborg

Carrick may again opt for a strong XI in the first half against Rosenborg, with a younger group taking over after the break. If that's the case, Andrey Santos, United's recent acquisition from Chelsea, is set to earn his second straight start.

The club's other new arrivals will need to be patient, however, as backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow remains injured and Youri Tielemans has yet to return from his post-World Cup rest. The Belgian is among 10 other regulars still recovering from the tournament.

The likes of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mount, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee all missed out on international duty this summer, meaning they should be available in some form against Rosenborg. Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu also had an uninterrupted summer after their nations failed to make the tournament.

Promising youngsters such as Chido Obi, Toby Collyer, Harry Amass, and the Fletcher brothers, Tyler and Jack, will be keen to stake their claim.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Rosenborg (4-2-3-1): Heaton; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Santos, Collyer; Mbeumo, Mount, Dorgu; Zirkzee.

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