Manchester United's first-team squad reported for pre-season at Carrington on Thursday, with four youngsters joining senior training. Shea Lacey, Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, and Jack Fletcher took part in the session, as the club prepares for a summer of friendlies across Europe.
First-Team Stars Return
Several senior players were present, including Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount, who missed out on World Cup selection for England. Ayden Heaven also attended. Leny Yoro was present after failing to make France's squad, while Joshua Zirkzee returned after being left out of the Netherlands squad. Dermot Mee reported back after signing a new two-year contract.
Patrick Dorgu was at Carrington after Denmark failed to qualify for the World Cup. Forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko will also enjoy a full pre-season after Cameroon and Slovenia did not qualify for the tournament in North America.
Youngsters Impress
Among the academy prospects, Shea Lacey is rated highly by Michael Carrick and his backroom staff, according to sources. The club is keen to provide a pathway for talented youngsters like JJ Gabriel, who will get opportunities in pre-season friendlies to showcase his abilities.
United have 12 senior players representing their nations at the World Cup; those players will report for pre-season gradually after their breaks.
Pre-Season Fixtures
United have scheduled six friendlies this summer, all in Europe, to minimise travel fatigue. The matches are: vs Wrexham (Helsinki, Finland), Rosenborg (Trondheim, Norway), Atletico Madrid (Stockholm, Sweden), Paris Saint-Germain (Gothenburg, Sweden), Leeds (Dublin, Republic of Ireland), and AC Milan (Wroclaw, Poland).
The decision to stay in Europe, rather than tour globally, is intended to protect players from excessive air miles. United's pre-season tours have historically been commercially successful, but this year the focus is on fitness and integration.
