Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee fights way back into first-team contention as Shea Lacey puts in mature display

MANCHESTER UNITED’S wonderkids stole the spotlight as Michael Carrick’s side cruised to a 5-0 pre-season win over Rosenborg in Norway. With the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Senne Lammens all absent following their World Cup commitments, it was United’s academy stars who lit up Trondheim with four debut senior goals. Joshua Zirkzee celebrates with Shea Lacey after the teenager opened the scoring for Manchester United in Trondheim Credit: Getty Manchester United’s players mob Shea Lacey after the academy star marked his unofficial senior debut with the opening goal against Rosenborg Credit: Getty Carrick’s youngsters took full advantage as Shea Lacey, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams all found the net, while Joshua Zirkzee produced a stunning solo strike. United continued their preparations without the bulk of their World Cup stars, but the next generation showed they are ready to stake their claim ahead of the new campaign. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Fifteen-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel was an unused substitute after dominating the build-up to the game, with Carrick opting not to hand the academy prodigy his senior bow just yet. Here are Man Utd reporter Katherine Walsh’s match ratings for the first- and second-half XIs… FIRST HALF Radek Vitek – 6 The Czech keeper is hunting for a summer exit—whether on loan or permanently—but had zero chance to advertise his talents on an afternoon where he was left with virtually nothing to do. Leny Yoro – 7 Back out of position at right-back, the French starlet again was solid in the unfamiliar role. Most read in Sport Is Yoro United’s new aerial threat with Casemiro gone? Looked that way his glancing header smacked off the crossbar on the stroke of half time. Leny Yoro produced a composed display at the heart of United’s defence before being replaced after the hour mark Credit: Getty Harry Maguire – 7 Enjoyed a quiet half and was on hand with several brilliant passes through the lines. Ayden Heaven – 7 Michael Carrick is preparing to hand the 19-year-old a starting spot in defense on opening day, following Lisandro Martinez’s injury in the World Cup final. The 19-year-old’s best moment came when he intercepted a Rosenborg attack in the box with a well-timed read. Luke Shaw – 7 Looked lean and lively in equal measure. Comfortable in possession and strong in the challenge, Shaw’s ability to replicate last year’s injury-free campaign will be key to success this season. Andrey Santos – 8 Another strong and spiky 45 minutes and could have had an assist when he delivered a one-time pass into Patrick Dorgu inside the box. Despite it being his second match, Santos was extremely vocal in the midfield. A clear leader. Mason Mount – 8 Back in central midfield with plenty of crisp movement and passing between him and Santos. His link up play with Joshua Zirkzee improved on Wrexham and he closed the space on Rosenborg. Mason Mount put in an energetic all-action performance as Michael Carrick’s side impressed in pre-season Credit: Getty Shea Lacey – 8 Mature beyond his years. It won’t count in the official record books, but his first senior strike was pure class—cutting inside from the right to bury his signature finish. The 19-year-old was the only academy player on the teamsheet and he didn’t look out of place as the No10. Patrick Dorgu – 7 Tried to get forward as much as possible on the left wing. He doesn’t have Marcus Rashford‘s feet but Dorgu was involved in good chemistry with Mount and Zirkzee. Bryan Mbeumo – 7 Looked sharper than he did against Wrexham, treating the near empty ground to a sublime nutmeg and a well-placed cross from a free-kick that Yoro smacked off the woodwork. He overhit a cross into Lacey before that, but the Cameroonian is clearly finding his rhythm. Joshua Zirkzee – 8 Night and day from the Wrexham display. Capitalising on Sesko’s absence, he backed up his promise to fight for his place. On top of setting up Lacey’s opener and linking brilliantly with Mbeumo, he netted an outrageous solo goal—driving forward and dummying past two defenders and the keeper. Joshua Zirkzee rounds the goalkeeper before slotting home one of the goals of pre-season for Manchester United Credit: Getty Joshua Zirkzee celebrates after producing a moment of magic to double United’s lead in Norway Credit: Getty SECOND HALF Jaydan Kamason (replaced Harry Maguire, 45′) – 8 The full-back was a like-for-like change with Shaw and performed brilliantly. Two top level and skilful assists for Amass and Ethan Williams. Harry Amass (replaced Luke Shaw, 45′) – 8 Involved in a gorgeous delayed one-two with Zirkzee for 2-0. He scored a back post tap in. He should be around the first team this season with Luke Shaw the only out-and-out left back in a busier schedule. Tyler Fletcher (replaced Shea Lacey, 61′) – 7 Solid cameo. Jacob Devaney (replaced Mason Mount, 61′) – 7 Will be delighted with a first senior goal as he hooked in a corner, albeit unofficial in the record books. He came on at centre-back again; I’m not sure he’s tall enough for it to be permanent. Ethan Williams (replaced Bryan Mbeumo, 61′) – 7 He adjusted his body to turn Kamason’s cross home to add further gloss to a one-sided score line. Dan Armer (replaced Leny Yoro, 61′) – 6 The corner hit off Armer as it dropped to his centre-back pair Devaney for 3-0. Toby Collyer (replaced Andrey Santos, 61′) – 6 Manchester United’s players celebrate together after adding a fourth goal during an impressive pre-season victory over Rosenborg Credit: Getty Has really matured after his Hull loan. An all action midfield showing. Dan Gore (replaced Patrick Dorgu, 61′) – 7 Followed up on Wrexham with a controlled midfield performance. Chido Obi (replaced Joshua Zirkzee, 61′) – 6 Quiet cameo for his first preseason minutes. United need to make a decision about his loan. Jack Fletcher (replaced Ayden Heaven, 61′) – 6 Not as commanding as the other midfielders this evening. Dan Mee (replaced Radek Vitek, 72′) – 6 Like Vitek, had very little to do. Not used: Gabriel and Thwaites. Comment now