Trondheim: Manchester United academy talents shine in 5-0 victory
Manchester United secured a 5-0 victory against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway, a match that saw several academy players make an impact. While highly-rated forward JJ Gabriel, aged 15, remained on the bench, other young talents seized the opportunity to impress.
Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, and Harry Amass, all aged 19, each scored during the match. Their performances have reportedly strengthened their cases for future inclusion in the first-team squad under manager Michael Carrick.
Academy Stars Make Their Mark
Shea Lacey, who spent much of the game in a hybrid number 10 role, scored with a shot that curled into the far corner. Lacey’s potential has been recognized for some time, though a torn thigh muscle kept him out for five months during the 2023-24 season. He had been working to regain full fitness, and his goal in Norway showcased his abilities.
Lacey’s journey back to form included a period of suspension after being sent off in an FA Cup third-round defeat by Brighton at Old Trafford in January. Prior to that, he had impressed in a game against Burnley, hitting the crossbar in a match that ended 2-2. Carrick had given him some first-team minutes in the final game of the previous campaign against Brighton to set a target for the summer.
Jacob Devaney, playing in central defence rather than his preferred midfield position, was noted for his assured presence. He also contributed a goal with a first-time finish from a corner. Devaney had previously received praise from Carrick following a defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki.
Harry Amass, who had a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday and later joined Norwich before an injury, appeared fully fit. He scored United’s fourth goal by sliding in at the far post. Amass’s performance could position him as a potential back-up option for Luke Shaw.
The match also featured a superb solo effort from Joshua Zirkzee and a goal from Ethan Williams, completing the 5-0 rout. The Rosenborg team had an important league game shifted to Monday to accommodate this fixture, a decision that reportedly caused anger among their supporters and may have contributed to the visible empty seats at the 21,000-capacity Lerkendal Stadium.
Gabriel’s Anticipated Debut
Despite the strong performances from his academy teammates, JJ Gabriel did not make his senior debut. The 15-year-old forward, who was part of Michael Carrick’s 25-man travelling squad, watched the game from the bench. His presence had generated significant anticipation, with many expecting him to become one of the youngest players to feature in a senior game for the club.
Gabriel, born on October 6, 2010, has already achieved recognition in youth football. He spent time in the youth setups of Chelsea, Arsenal, and West Ham before joining Manchester United in 2022. At the age of nine, he gained viral attention on YouTube in 2019, earning the nickname ‘Kid Messi’.
He became the youngest player to feature for United’s Under-18 side at just 14. Gabriel scored twice on his debut against Leeds and was invited to train with the first-team squad under Ruben Amorim in October of the previous year. He also scored in the FA Youth Cup against Peterborough at Old Trafford in December and was named the Under-18s’ player of the season at the end of the campaign.
Gabriel has represented England’s Under-15, Under-16, and Under-17 sides. He is also eligible to represent Ireland, Cyprus, and Trinidad and Tobago due to his family heritage. Michael Carrick opted not to give Gabriel or FA Youth Cup final teammate Jim Thwaites any pitch time in Norway, perhaps mindful of the scrutiny the young forward is under.
The Manchester United squad for the match was managed by Michael Carrick, who employed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Rosenborg, managed by Freyr Alexandersson, played in a 4-3-3 formation.
The match was part of the pre-season schedule for Premier League teams. Manchester United’s only recognized senior striker in the squad for this fixture was Joshua Zirkzee, as Benjamin Sesko is recovering from a shin problem, and Chido Obi is another option to play through the middle.
The performances of the young players will likely be a key consideration for Michael Carrick as the team continues its pre-season preparations.
The match took place on Friday.
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Source: bbc.com
