Manchester United are set to welcome back several first-team players next week as pre-season begins. Nine stars are still involved in the World Cup and will miss the start of Michael Carrick's preparations. For those not on international duty, pre-season kicks off on Thursday, July 9, with a European tour across Finland, Norway, Ireland, Sweden and Poland.
Chido Obi Shock Talks
Chido Obi has reportedly entered discussions to join FC Koln on loan this summer. The move has materialised as United believe the striker would benefit from a temporary switch to aid his progression. Talks have begun regarding a transfer that would see the 18-year-old link up with the Bundesliga club for the upcoming campaign only.
Obi featured eight times for United's senior side during the 2024/25 season before being confined to youth football this term. He scored 20 goals and registered six assists across the U18 and U20 teams. Obi has caught the eye since his arrival from Arsenal in 2024 and will be eager to secure valuable first-team experience in Germany.
Board Eye £15m Payout
Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has suggested that United have agreed to allow Amazon Prime to film their 2026/27 campaign in its entirety. The 'All or Nothing' series has previously been filmed at several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and City.
Borson told Football Insider: "It's probably worth £10million-£15m, and obviously, it's a pretty high-margin asset sale. There's not a lot of cost there. 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 City, and it worked fine for Arsenal. I'm sure it'll be fine, but there is some risk."
