Erik ten Hag gesture hints at chance for Manchester United youngster to solve problem position

When Casemiro took off the captain's armband in the away dressing room at Lerkendal and strapped it onto Toby Collyer's bicep, the symbolism would have hung heavy in the air. This wasn't a changing of the guard just yet, but Manchester United's two captains on the night hinted at careers going in different directions.

For Casemiro, this was the kind of start to pre-season he didn't want. It's perhaps a little surprising the 32-year-old is still around, but interest from Saudi Arabia hasn't emerged and as it stands he looks likely to see through a third campaign in Manchester. He needs the snap to return to his game.

His last competitive involvement was pulling out of the FA Cup final squad between the teamsheets being submitted and then confirmed. He was due to be a substitute at Wembley but felt tightness and withdrew. It summed up a season in which he looked and played like a veteran entering the twilight of his career.

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The Brazilian doesn't turn 33 until February but has had a demanding career in Europe and has a build that suggests fitness doesn't always come easily to him. He was a weak link in United's midfield for much of last season, although the open nature of that department didn't exactly offer him much protection.

Maybe he will be better in a smarter system this term and against Rosenborg there were a couple of nice passes, but he fell over scuffing a clearance in his box and was pounced on and lost possession just outside the area. It was an inauspicious start for a player who will want to prove the career obituaries are being penned too