Manchester United players have another week of relaxation before pre-season training begins on Thursday, July 9. Nine first-team stars are still participating in the World Cup and will miss the start of Michael Carrick's preparations.
Pre-Season Tour Changes
The Red Devils are embarking on a tour of Europe, a shift from recent years when they traveled to the United States. The World Cup has altered plans, so United will visit Finland, Norway, Ireland, Sweden, and Poland. They will face Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Leeds.
Chido Obi Shock Transfer
Chido Obi has reportedly opened talks to join FC Koln on loan this summer. The transfer is believed to be driven by United's view that the striker would benefit from a temporary move to boost his development. Talks have begun over a deal that would see Obi join the Bundesliga outfit for the upcoming season.
The 18-year-old made eight first-team appearances for the Red Devils during the 2024/25 campaign but was limited to the youth setup this year. He scored 20 goals and assisted six times across the U18 and U20 sides. Obi has impressed since joining United from Arsenal in 2024 and hopes to gain important first-team experience in Germany.
Carrick Eyeing 'Eight-Figure' Payout
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson has claimed that United have agreed to let Amazon Prime document their 2026/27 season in full. The 'All or Nothing' series has previously filmed at Arsenal, Tottenham, and City. Borson told Football Insider that the deal is likely worth £10 million to £15 million.
"It's probably worth £10million-£15m, and obviously, it's a pretty high-margin asset sale. There's not a lot of cost there," Borson said. "You're giving up, in terms of the cost, is the access, and it's allowing cameras in places where you haven't let them be before, recording stuff and losing editorial control."
He added: "So look, if it's a good season, then it's great. If it's a very bad season, with managerial issues and individual player issues, you enjoy the money, but you know that you're going to take some impact from it on the other side. It's worked fine for [Manchester] City, and it worked fine for Arsenal. I'm sure it'll be fine, but there is some risk."
