Rosenborg vs Manchester United Predictions

Rosenborg vs Manchester United predictions for this pre-season friendly. Manchester United’s preparations for the 2024-25 campaign will officially begin Monday evening with their first summer friendly against Norwegian outfit Rosenborg. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Club Friendlies | Jul 15, 2024 at 5pm UK at Lerkendal Stadion

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Rosenborg vs Manchester United Predictions

Can Rosenborg Challenge Manchester United in Their First Pre-Season Encounter?

Manchester United’s summer preparations for the 2024-25 campaign commence on Monday evening with a friendly against Norwegian side Rosenborg. This fixture marks the start of a series of pre-season encounters for United as they gear up for their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16. Rosenborg, meanwhile, are in the midst of their Eliteserien season, currently sitting in eighth place after 14 matches.

Match Preview

It has been seven weeks since Manchester United ended their 2023-24 campaign with a triumphant 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final. This victory not only secured Erik ten Hag’s position as head coach but also guaranteed the Red Devils a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League, despite their disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

Under the new ownership of INEOS, Manchester United are looking towards a bright future, with a busy transfer window expected. The squad returned to pre-season training on July 6, and this match against Rosenborg will be the first of five friendlies. Following this, United will face Rangers, and then travel to the United States for fixtures against Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool. They will also contest the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 10, before kicking off their Premier League campaign.

Erik ten Hag, who recently extended his contract by 12 months, is under pressure to improve upon last season’s performance. The match against Rosenborg in Trondheim provides an opportunity for United to start their pre-season on a positive note.

Rosenborg, on the other hand, are already deep into their Eliteserien season. Currently placed eighth, Alfred Johansson’s side have experienced a challenging run, including a recent 4-1 defeat to Sarpsborg 08. With 17 points from 14 matches, Rosenborg’s performance has been inconsistent. Despite their historical dominance in Norwegian football, with 26 league titles, their last triumph was in 2018, and they finished ninth last season.

This friendly against Manchester United holds significant emotional value for Rosenborg, even though their upcoming league match against Lillestrom on July 21 is more critical. Despite never having faced United in a competitive fixture, Rosenborg have encountered the English giants in friendlies before, notably losing 8-0 in 1977.

Team News and Lineups

Manchester United will be without several key players due to their involvement in Euro 2024. The likes of Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay, and Luke Shaw are all unavailable. Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho are also absent due to Copa America commitments, while Jadon Sancho is set to miss out despite resuming first-team training.

Marcus Rashford, who was left out of the England squad for Euro 2024, is expected to start, alongside Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof, Antony, Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Casemiro, and Amad Diallo. Young talents like Habeeb Ogunneye, Harry Amass, and Toby Collyer will also have the opportunity to impress, though Harry Maguire remains a doubt due to injury. Tyrell Malacia is still recovering from a knee injury and Mason Greenwood is nearing a permanent departure from Old Trafford.

Rosenborg will be without Jonathan Augustinsson due to a thigh problem, but otherwise, their squad is in good shape. Head coach Johansson is expected to field a strong XI, featuring top scorer Ole Saeter, who has netted eight goals this season. Marius Broholm, who has scored five times in 15 appearances, is also set to start.

Rosenborg possible starting lineup: Tangvik; Comic, Ceide, Jenssen, Reitan; Vaananen, Selnaes, Nypan; Broholm, Saeter, Reitan-Sunde

Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Lindelof, Amass; Casemiro, Hannibal, Mount; Antony, Amad, Rashford

Tactical Analysis and Key Duels

This match is expected to provide a competitive test for both teams. Rosenborg, with their ongoing season, will be in better match fitness, which could level the playing field against a Manchester United side that is just starting their pre-season. The key area where the game could be decided is in midfield, where Casemiro’s experience and Hannibal Mejbri’s youthful energy will clash with the industrious Ole Selnaes and the promising Sverre Nyppan.

One of the critical duels will be between Marcus Rashford and Erlend Reitan. Rashford’s pace and directness will test Reitan’s defensive capabilities. Additionally, Rosenborg’s top scorer Ole Saeter will be up against Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, a pairing that has not had much time to gel. This mismatch could be an avenue for Rosenborg to exploit.

Gameplay and Strategies

Manchester United are likely to dominate possession, aiming to control the tempo and use their superior technical skills to break down Rosenborg’s defence. Expect to see United utilising the flanks, with Antony and Amad Diallo stretching the play, providing crosses for Rashford.

Rosenborg, on the other hand, may adopt a more pragmatic approach, focusing on solid defensive organisation and looking to counter-attack quickly. They will rely heavily on Saeter’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play, while Broholm and Reitan-Sunde will be crucial in exploiting any spaces left by United’s advancing full-backs.

Areas for Improvement

Manchester United need to tighten their defence, which has been a concern, conceding 58 goals in the Premier League last season. Integrating new signings and ensuring better coordination at the back will be vital. Furthermore, with key players missing, the squad depth will be tested, and youngsters must step up.

Rosenborg must address their inconsistency, particularly in defence, having conceded 27 goals in 14 matches. Improving their defensive solidity while maintaining their attacking threat will be crucial for their progress this season.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Manchester United’s main strength lies in their attacking prowess and depth. The inclusion of experienced players like Casemiro and the pace of Rashford offer a potent combination. However, their defence has been leaky, and the absence of key players could expose them further.

Rosenborg’s strength is their ability to score goals, with Saeter and Broholm in good form. However, their defensive frailties and inconsistency are significant weaknesses that Manchester United could exploit.

Managerial Critique

Erik ten Hag has shown promise but faces criticism for not addressing defensive issues effectively. His reliance on youth and new signings will be tested in this pre-season. Alfred Johansson, despite leading Rosenborg in challenging circumstances, must find a way to instill consistency and defensive discipline in his team.

Expected Goals Averages

Manchester United have averaged 1.5 goals per game in the Premier League, while Rosenborg have managed 1.4 goals per game in the Eliteserien. Defensively, United have conceded 1.5 goals per game, whereas Rosenborg have allowed 1.9 goals per game. These statistics suggest that both teams have vulnerabilities at the back, making for an intriguing contest.

Predictions

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score

Given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and attacking capabilities, the best bet is for both teams to score. Rosenborg have been prolific at home, and with United’s defence still finding its feet in pre-season, goals on both ends are highly likely.

Correct Score Prediction: Rosenborg 1-3 Manchester United

Manchester United’s superior quality should see them edge this contest. While Rosenborg may find the net, United’s attacking depth, even without key players, should secure a comfortable victory. A 3-1 scoreline reflects their potential to outscore the Norwegian side.

Goalscorer Prediction: Marcus Rashford to Score Anytime

Marcus Rashford, set to start, is likely to be the focal point of United’s attack. His pace and finishing ability make him a strong candidate to find the net against a Rosenborg defence that has struggled.

Corner Prediction: Manchester United to Win Most Corners

Manchester United’s attacking approach will likely result in numerous corners. Given their average of 5.9 corners per game last season, they should dominate this aspect against a Rosenborg side that averages 5.4.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target – Over 5.5 for Manchester United

With Manchester United’s attacking talent and Rosenborg’s defensive struggles, United are expected to register numerous shots on target. Exceeding 5.5 shots on target is a plausible outcome given their pre-season form and quality in attack.

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