Manchester United are set to face Norwegian side Rosenborg BK on Monday evening in their first pre-season friendly. Erik ten Hag will be hoping that his side can start their preparation for the 2024-25 season in style, despite not having a full squad to work with.
United have taken a blend of experience and youth to Norway, with some of their big-name players omitted from the travelling squad due to various reasons – namely as several players have been participating at Euro 2024 and Copa America.
Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Harry Maguire are among those who will not feature – as well as Jadon Sancho, despite the winger recently reconciling his relationship with Ten Hag following their public feud.
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The fixture against Rosenborg therefore provides an opportunity for the likes of Mason Mount, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford to work on their fitness whilst playing alongside several sprightly young teammates.
Despite many United fans being keen to watch their side in action in Norway, the match will not be shown on Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
However, those with an MUTV subscription will be able to tune in and watch the game unfold. Those in the Middle East can also watch on beIN Sports 1.
Ten Hag will be keen to see how some of his fringe players perform against Rosenborg to gain an understanding of whether reinforcements are required in certain areas. The Red Devils have already bolstered their forward ranks this summer, acquiring the services of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in a deal worth £36.5million.
The Dutchman only joined the Old Trafford outfit yesterday and therefore will not feature as he takes a break following Netherlands' participation at the Euros.
Defensive signings are firmly among the priorities for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co over the coming weeks, regardless of how their youngsters perform during their pre-season fixtures. United are in the market for two central defenders, with Matthijs de Ligt their top target in that department.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is also admired and United have lodged two bids in an attempt to sign the Englishman, but the Toffees have insisted that any of the 22-year-old’s suitors will need to cough up at least £70million to acquire his services – and they are in no rush to offload the talented defender due to the imminent sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa.
