When Manchester United take on Rosenborg in Trondheim, it will be the latest in a string of friendlies the Reds have played on Norwegian soil.
Manchester United’s ties with the land of the Vikings are incredibly strong.
There is no denying that Norwegian players such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and fellow Treble-winners Ronny Johnsen and Henning Berg played a significant role in that.
United will play their second pre-season friendly of the 2026 pre-season tour in Trondheim on Friday, with Michael Carrick’s squad departing on Thursday.
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Q&A with Therese Visnes from Red Army Aalesund
To learn more about the bond between United and Norway, United In Focus caught up with Therese Visnes, who will be attending the game against Rosenborg in Trondheim on Friday following a six-hour drive on top of two ferries from Aalesund.
Is there excitement in Norway ahead of the game between Rosenborg and Manchester United?
Therese: “I think so, not just the game but also the event and meeting other United fans. Sadly, the ticket prices for this match are high. This will affect the interest in the game, I think, but United is always popular in Norway.”
The game against Wrexham in Finland did not sell out. Do you think it will be different in Trondheim, or will ticket prices prevent some fans from attending?
Therese: “I think it will be pretty much the same; most likely some fans won’t be able to go due to the ticket prices. But hopefully we will see a close-to-full stadium and great atmosphere.”
Why do United have such a massive, dedicated fanbase across Scandinavia compared to other European clubs?
Therese: “I think it has to do with the history of the club, our good era under Sir Alex, having had some Scandinavian players over the years and also here in Norway we had a Premier League game live every Saturday on TV called ‘Tippekampen’ since 1969.”
Tell us about your connection to Manchester United?
Therese: “I have supported United since I was around 10. The first game I went to was actually not at Old Trafford but on the Scandinavian pre-season tour in August 1998 against Brann in Bergen. United won 4-0 with a Denis Irwin hat-trick.
“Now I watch the United games at the pub here in Aalesund with our local supporter group Red Army Aalesund as often as I can when I’m not at Old Trafford.”
How often do you travel to Old Trafford?
Therese: “Usually 2-3 times each season.”
What should visiting United fans expect in Trondheim?
Therese: “Well, apart from the game, there will be an event with the Scandinavian Supporters’ Club the evening before, and on matchday, hopefully we will have a good, entertaining game. Trondheim is a lovely city to visit.”
Which players – or young academy talents – are you most excited to see play on Friday?
Therese: “I’m hoping to see JJ Gabriel on Friday. I also like to watch Harry Maguire play; he’s the player who maybe impressed me most in the last few years after everything he went through.”
Finally, what are your expectations for United in the upcoming 2026/27 season?
Therese: “I do expect it will take a few seasons for Carrick to build up this team. Hopefully the new signings will work out, and the results will keep up from last season. I hope to play well in both the Premier League and Europe, qualify for the next Champions League and maybe even compete for the league title.”
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Manchester United Supporters’ Club Scandinavia
The Manchester United Supporters’ Club Scandinavia is one of the largest official supporters’ branches in world football, boasting over 40,000 to 45,000 members.
Running for 44 years, it started when Per Harald Larsen and Hans Lokoy made their objective a reality.
They also produce a magazine, run a website and operate a shop where fans can buy United merchandise.
Every season, MUSCS organises trips to Manchester for every home match, helping their members attend games.
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