Manchester United 0-1 Rosenborg: Five things noticed, including Ruud van Nistelrooy moment

Five things noticed as Manchester United fell to a 1-0 defeat against Rosenborg in their opening game of the 2024 pre-season preparations.

Manchester United kicked off their 2024 pre-season friendlies with an XX against Norweigan side Rosenberg. The tie allowed players such as Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka key minutes as they look to regain their match fitness.

Other talents such as Harry Amass, Ethan Wheatley, and Toby Collyer were able to showcase themselves to both Erik ten Hag and the fans. Although it all pointed to the fixture ending in a 0-0 draw, a last-gasp goal Rosenborg secured the tie in their favour.

Read More: Joshua Zirkzee reveals what Kobbie Mainoo said before Manchester United transfer

Here, UtdDistrict detail five things noticed during the tie.

#1 – Ruud’s involvement

From the first moment, Ruud van Nistelrooy was incredibly involved with United’s players, from the academy talents to their first-team stars.

Ahead of kick-off, he was seen in deep discussions with Marcus Rashford, and throughout the tie, he was up and on his feet talking to the younger lads, such as Ethan Ennis and Joe Hugill, in the second half.

It will be encouraging to see the Dutchman so active with the squad during his first week on the job under Ten Hag.

#2 – Vitek’s message

Vitek, who started in place of André Onana in goal, was by far and away United’s best player in Norway. While many were clearly lacking in match sharpness, Vitek’s reactions were very much at their peak, making several stunning saves across the 90 minutes.

His distribution was also solid. With rumours surrounding Altay Bayındır’s future currently doing the rounds in the media, Vitek has sent a clear message that he may be able to take the secondary keeper spot if needed. He was unlucky to concede a goal in the final moments.

#3 – Mount’s resurgence

Of the first-team players who started against Rosenborg, Mount stood out the most. Mount had a poor season last campaign due to injury troubles that started during the second game, away against Tottenham.

However, this time around, he will have a good and full pre-season to make sure he is entirely injury-free. He looked sharp, which will be good news for Ten Hag.

#4 – Ten Hag’s Collyer repeat

During Ten Hag’s first season, he was spotted having a conversation with Kobbie Mainoo following United’s Carabao Cup win in 2022, and 15 months later, the younger scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final.

On that day, Ten Hag was then spotted having the same conversation with Toby Collyer, and against Rosenborg, he was a standout from midfield.

He was calm and composed with his positioning and passing, and showed fans the promise that United saw when they signed him from Brighton in 2022. If Collyer can have even half the impact that Mainoo has had, Ten Hag will have found himself another gem.

#5 – The scoreline does not matter

As with many pre-season games, the scoreline does not really matter. Many of United’s best players are still not available, but what is important is that the coaches are able to get their messages across to those who are.

It will be vital for those such as Mount, Rashford, and Casemiro to get minutes under their belts, even if the overall event was sub-par for those watching. Ten Hag will be happy with the performances of a few of the players, but it’s difficult to be over critical and analytical of a pre-season friendly.

No injuries, 90 minutes played, and some good individual performances – there’s little to complain about despite the last-minute goal.

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