Zirkzee steals the show in Norway
Five goals, no reply, and a forward who looked determined to prove a point. Manchester United beat Rosenborg 5–0 in their first pre-season friendly on Friday, and Joshua Zirkzee scored the pick of the bunch with a delightful drag-back and finish (2) (6) (8).
Manager Michael Carrick was buzzing afterwards. "That's the best place to be as a footballer, when you're in that zone, and you're confident, and that's my job to try and get the players in that frame of mind," he said (3).
The kids delivered
Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass, Ethan Williams, and Shea Lacey all got on the scoresheet. Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher also featured as Carrick leaned heavily on youth (2) (3). Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Andrey Santos, Mason Mount, and Jaydan Kamason all saw minutes too (2).
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Carrick singled out the youngsters. His post-match comments made clear this is exactly the energy he wants heading into 2026-27 (3).
A busy night in the stands
The match drew 14,606 fans in Trondheim. But the ticket prices sparked anger locally, with one Norwegian outlet calling them "morally reprehensible" (5). No such complaints from the travelling United support.
United expected to bid for Ollie Watkins
The transfer window is heating up. Manchester United are expected to table a bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins (4). Villa do not want to lose him. Arsenal are also in the picture (4).
This comes with Marcus Rashford's future uncertain and Zirkzee himself reportedly keen on a move to Juventus. A Watkins bid would signal intent.
Summerville slips away
One target off the board. Crysencio Summerville has completed a big-money move to Al-Hilal, beating both United and Roma to the winger's signature (7).
Casemiro: "I promised Miami a long time ago"
Former United midfielder Casemiro has revealed he gave Inter Miami his word long before his Old Trafford contract expired. He told LA Galaxy directly that his heart was set on Miami (1). No regrets, no drama. Just a promise kept.
