Casemiro led a predominantly young Manchester United team in their pre-season match against Rosenborg in Trondheim, Norway. He was chosen as captain over other senior players like Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans.
This is not Casemiro’s first time captaining the team; he also led them in a Premier League game against Crystal Palace in May, which was a disappointing night for both him and the club.
Mason Mount, aiming for a stronger second season after an injury-riddled debut following his £60m transfer from Chelsea, also started the match. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the only other senior player in the squad.
Many of United’s first-team regulars were either on holiday after participating in Euro 2024 or the Copa America or remained in Manchester for individual fitness training. This group included captain Bruno Fernandes, who played for Portugal until the Euro quarter-finals, and others like Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Scott McTominay, and new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
From the Copa America, Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho were part of Argentina’s winning squad, and Facundo Pellistri played for Uruguay, which reached the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Andre Onana, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Victor Lindelof were training in Manchester, and Harry Maguire was still recovering from an injury.
The absence of many senior players allowed younger talents to shine. Ethan Williams and Ethan Wheatley, the latter becoming United’s 250th Academy graduate to play for the first team in April, started in a front four with Rashford and Mount. Hannibal Mejbri returned to the starting lineup after his loan at Sevilla.
Will Fish started at center-back next to Evans, with Sam Murray on the left of the defense and 20-year-old Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek in goal. Jack Fletcher, the 17-year-old son of first-team coach Darren Fletcher, was among the substitutes.
Manchester United has a strong connection with Norway, boasting many loyal fans and frequently visiting for matches. Since 2017, they have played against teams like Leeds, Atletico Madrid, Kristiansund, and Valerenga in Oslo.
After their game in Norway, United’s next stop is Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, where they will face Rangers.
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