Manchester United marked their dominant 5-0 pre-season victory over Rosenborg in Trondheim with a pizza delivery to the dressing room. The performance was a significant improvement from their opening friendly against Wrexham, and interim manager Michael Carrick praised the squad, especially the academy players who featured in the second half.
Arrival and fan interaction
The team arrived in Trondheim on Thursday evening at around 6:30pm local time, greeted by about 100 fans at the hotel. Harry Maguire was the first off the bus and made a point of signing autographs and taking photos. He spoke briefly with team operations head Acacio Valentim, seemingly urging that every player spend time with supporters. Valentim then guided each player toward the fans, who were happy to oblige.
Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel was included in a senior squad for the first time and received many photo and autograph requests, a sign of his growing recognition. Bryan Mbeumo, as usual, was the last off the bus and was cheered by the crowd. Inside the hotel, the team held another meet-and-greet with fans.
City life and Solskjaer meeting
Trondheim’s compact, walkable city centre allowed players to take a leisurely stroll on the morning of the game. Luke Shaw posted a video on social media of Mbeumo playing the piano—specifically '7 Years' by Lukas Graham—when the team returned to the hotel.
Carrick used the trip to meet Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who remains a close friend despite Carrick beating him to the interim job in January. Solskjaer keeps a low profile in Norway and was not involved in coverage of the country’s World Cup quarter-final against England.
Low attendance and fan discontent
Despite Solskjaer’s popularity, attendance at the Lerkendal Stadion was poor, with thousands of empty seats. This was largely attributed to Rosenborg’s struggling season; fans had called for a boycott, viewing the friendly as an unwanted distraction that forced a league game to be moved to Monday—a day against Norwegian football culture.
United sources stressed that the pre-season priority was football preparation, not commercial revenue, so the low turnouts have not been a concern. A small tent sold United merchandise in the city square, but a local barista said she did not know United were in town, adding that her partner supports Liverpool.
United fans gathered at the Three Lions pub, where a Q&A event was held by the United Scandinavian Supporters’ Club. Some season ticket holders expressed frustration over the recent ticketing issues, with one feeling “unwanted.”
Match day gestures
After the final whistle, United players applauded all corners of the ground and took photos with fans from the main stand. A young fan received Maguire’s match-worn shirt. Gabriel, though he did not play, shared a moment with his mother while photographing his first senior shirt before boarding the bus. Staff noted his politeness and good manners.
Ayden Heaven and Mason Mount paused to speak before leaving, and youngster Jaydan Kamason, who provided two assists, also spoke briefly. All players who featured were given Saturday off to rest.
