Man United won 5-0 against Rosenborg in the 2nd friendly match in the pre-season period. What is noteworthy in the match in Norway is that captain Michael Carrick fielded a series of young talents from the academy, as an opportunity for everyone to try their hand.
After about 60 minutes of playing at Lerkendal, Carrick put 8 young players of the academy on the field. They are people who are eager to play to score points in the eyes of their coach, hoping to find opportunities to join the first team. Or simply all want to play well, have a good performance to find a transfer contract to other teams.
Among the young stars present at Man United's stadium, 19-year-old midfielder Shea Lacey left a strong mark when he scored a beautiful goal. In the 31st minute, he received the ball on the right wing, cut inside and launched a beautiful curling shot to defeat goalkeeper Rosenborg. Except for Joshua Zirkzee's goal to increase the score to 2-0 as a member of the first team, the remaining 3 goals came from young talents of the Carrington Academy.
After the match, Carrick was very satisfied with the performance of the young players. He and the coaching staff are actively looking for more options for the 4-2-3-1 formation. Friendly matches bring opportunities to improve the playing style and also help players become more familiar with the new tactical system, thereby no longer being too surprised when the new season begins.
Not only that, the fact that young players are showing good performances also helps Carrick improve his framework and playing style for this friendly period. Man United wants to play well in all 6 matches but will not be as determined to win as the first team to possibly pay the price with injuries like many previous seasons.
The fact that young Carrington stars played well in the friendly match does not mean they can do the same when entering the official season. Even many of those who played against Rosenborg could not find a place in the first team. However, the area of internal selection will be expanded, thereby increasing internal competitiveness.
Stars like Harry Amass or Shea Lacey will be carefully considered whether to join the first team or not because they can be a good backup option for key players. In secondary arenas such as the League Cup or FA Cup, if Carrick does not focus his attention, calling young players to the first team and participating in these 2 playgrounds will be the optimal option. The English coach has both players with enough determination and limits the expenditure of key players when the Premier League and Champions League are right in front of him.
In the past, the stars of the Carrington Academy always had a place at Old Trafford if they were capable enough. For many years, the wave of indiscriminate transfers at Man United has lost that identity. Now, with an old player who understands tradition very well like Carrick, once again the opportunity for young talents in the form of domestic players becomes brighter.
