| Manchester United vs Rosenburg | |
| MATCH | Club Friendlies |
| DATE | 24 - 07 - 2026 |
| TIME | 09.30 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadium |
Rosenborg vs Manchester United Preview: Red Devils Face Tough Norwegian Test in Pre-Season
Manchester United continue their preparations for the 2026-27 season with a pre-season friendly against Norwegian giants Rosenborg on Friday. The Red Devils will be eager to bounce back from their opening summer defeat, while the hosts head into the contest full of confidence after an impressive return to domestic action.
Rosenborg Looking to Continue Winning Momentum
Rosenborg have enjoyed a strong start since the Norwegian league resumed after the mid-season break. Freyr Alexandersson's side currently sit 10th in the Eliteserien standings with 15 points from 13 matches, leaving them 10 points behind fourth-placed Lillestrom, but recent performances suggest they are finding their rhythm.
The Norwegian club returned to league action with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Kristiansund before recording another comfortable 3-0 win against Start last weekend. Earlier this month, they also defeated Molde 2-1 in a friendly, extending their positive run ahead of one of the biggest fixtures of their season.
Rosenborg have already proven they can trouble Manchester United. The clubs last met in July 2024, when Noah Holm's goal secured a memorable 1-0 victory for the Norwegian side over Erik ten Hag's United. Friday's encounter marks the fourth friendly meeting between the two clubs.
Although Rosenborg have an important Eliteserien fixture against Fredrikstad coming up on July 27, the opportunity to host Manchester United is expected to take centre stage, with Alexandersson likely to field a strong starting lineup before rotating his squad.
Manchester United Seeking Improvement
Manchester United arrive in Norway after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in their opening pre-season fixture. Michael Carrick's side struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the match, although several academy prospects impressed during the second half.
The Rosenborg clash is the second stop on a demanding pre-season schedule that also includes matches against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan before the Red Devils begin their Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Hull City on August 22.
United have already strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and teenage prospect Tynan Thompson from Tottenham Hotspur. Santos made his unofficial debut against Wrexham, while Carrick is expected to continue assessing both new signings and young talents throughout the summer.
More transfers are anticipated before the end of the window, and Friday's match offers another valuable opportunity for players to impress ahead of the new campaign.
Team News
Rosenborg have only one notable injury concern, with experienced striker Dino Islamovic facing a late fitness test. The rest of the squad is available, allowing Alexandersson to select a near full-strength side.
Forward Amin Chiakha has been in excellent form this season, scoring six goals in 14 appearances, while Emil Konradsen Ceide has contributed two goals and seven assists across all competitions and is expected to play a key role in attack.
Manchester United remain without several first-team internationals following their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Matheus Cunha, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui, Altay Bayindir and Senne Lammens have yet to rejoin the squad.
Benjamin Sesko remains doubtful with a shin injury, while Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte continue their recovery from long-term injuries.
There is better news elsewhere, with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Bryan Mbeumo, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven all available for selection. Promising youngsters including Chido Obi, Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher, Toby Collyer, Shea Lacey and Jacob Devaney are also expected to feature, while 15-year-old JJ Gabriel and new signing Tynan Thompson could make appearances.
Match Outlook
Rosenborg enter the contest with greater match sharpness thanks to their ongoing league campaign and recent winning run, making them capable opponents. However, Manchester United possess superior quality and depth, and Carrick will demand a stronger performance after the setback against Wrexham.
The friendly should provide an entertaining test for both sides as they continue preparations for their respective domestic campaigns, with United aiming to build confidence before a demanding pre-season schedule continues.null
