Manchester United picked up their first win of pre-season in impressive fashion in a 5-0 victory over Norwegian side Rosenborg.

Off the back of the defeat to Wrexham six days prior, Michael Carrick's side put in a performance that included several strong individual performances, as well as an evolution in the style of football under United's new permanent boss.

The influence of Carrington's famous youth academy was also on display, but questions remain over one young prodigy.

Sky Sports' Callum Bishop breaks down all the key talking points from Trondheim.

Distinct change in 'Carrick-ball'

The change of fortune in United from when Carrick took over on an initial temporary basis was built largely on a focus on transitions and completing fast-breaks through rapid wingers like Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu and the creative minds of Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha.

From United's 2-0 win over Manchester City in Carrick's first game in charge to the end of the season, the Red Devils ranked third in fast breaks per game [1.53]. They were joint first in goals scored from fast breaks per 90 [0.24] and second in expected goals from fast breaks [0.23].

Simultaneously, they ranked 13th in possession and 11th in average possession duration in seconds. Their struggles on the ball, something that has long been a theme post Sir Alex Ferguson, is why they continued to struggle against teams who set up in low blocks.

While Rosenborg may not be at the level of Premier League teams, the fact that they are 13 games into their league campaign should've meant they were physically capable of using their physical advantage to dictate possession and the tempo of the game. United would surely have to rely upon their transitions to get anything.

Yet, a United team without Fernandes or Cunha looked comfortable on the ball. Despite not being as fit, they pulled Rosenborg apart at times, with Joshua Zirkzee playing an important role in making the ball stick in attack and building from there.

That doesn't mean United don't transition. Their second and fourth goals in particular were evidence that it will remain in their arsenal. However, it's clear that, now he's in the permanent hot seat, Carrick is going to make changes to his style that perhaps gives more of an indication as to why signing Youri Tielemans was so appealing.

Zirkzee stars, but how important will he really be?

The unofficial player of the match was undoubtedly Zirkzee. United's number 11 has been a much-maligned figure at Old Trafford since his 2024 arrival.

He doesn't really fit as a number nine and isn't good enough to unseat Fernandes as a number 10. However, he has flashes that remind you of his technical quality that at times draws comparisons to the likes of Dimitar Berbatov.

In Norway, he was exactly what he needed to be. A sponge for possession who was sharp enough on the half turn to bring others into play. There were two goals in his 60 minutes of action. He assisted the first and scored the second.

His goal was quite simply breathtaking. The Dutchman played a lovely give and go with substitute Harry Amass which was followed by some excellent footwork that sold two defenders. He then pulled off the same trickery to bamboozle the Rosenborg goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net.

It was a moment of magic that capped off a brilliant display. Some fans might rave over that. They may call for Zirkzee to be given a more prominent role next season. But will that happen?

In truth, probably not. The pace of the game suited him, and it does nothing to quell questions over whether he can handle the pace of English football. Benjamin Sesko seems more equipped to lead the line and what fans saw from Zirkzee in Trondheim is likely more of an insight into how Carrick may want to utilise the Slovenian when he is ready to return.

Carrington's kids shine

United have long been famed for producing stellar academy graduates. And while not all of those who featured tonight will make it to the top, they will forever have this moment.

Shea Lacey started as the number 10 and grew into the game. We have seen glimpses of the 19-year-old in the first team before. He notably nearly scored a screamer in a 2-2 draw with Burnley. In a more prominent role, he looked mature and his finish for the opener was composed. He was even voted player of the match by United fans.

The hype around him has quietened down over the last 12 months. At one point, he was the shining star in the youth ranks. But there is definitely a player in there who could go on to have a serious role in the first team.

The same could be said for Harry Amass. A half-time substitute, he had his progress derailed by injuries during the latter half of last season after an impressive start at Sheffield Wednesday. His goal showed a nice instinct for getting into dangerous areas from full-back, but he also defended well on the left flank and looked smart on the ball. United want another left-back, but should he be given a chance as Shaw's permanent deputy?

Jacob Devaney and Ethan Williams will cherish their goals. They can forever point to those moments. But the other unsung young hero was undoubtedly Jaydan Kamason.

The 19-year-old right-back did get caught out positionally off the ball, but on it he was electric. His two assists showed a fantastic eye for a low cross, and was paired with footwork like that of a winger, not a right-back. The fact that Carrick entrusted him to play more minutes than most of the other youngsters, also speaks volumes.

Where was JJ Gabriel?

What were you doing at 15? I can remember playing five-a-side and dislocating my elbow by running into my own team-mate. You wouldn't catch JJ Gabriel doing that.

The 15-year-old is the latest wonderkid stealing the headlines at United. His inclusion in the travelling squad left some fans excited that they might get a glimpse of what the fuss was all about.

Everyone waited expectantly, but saw nothing of the teenager. He sat on the bench in his fluorescent bib and wasn't handed any minutes.

Is that an indication that fans should temper their expectations in pre-season? Not necessarily. Speaking ahead of the game, Carrick inferred that there would be minutes for Gabriel in the coming friendlies.

Patience is a virtue, a sentiment that United Academy Director Stephen Torpey told Sky Sports back in May. We'll just have to see if he's worth the wait.