Manchester United have confirmed their final pre-season game, and here is everything you need to know about their plans. The club usually begins pre-season in the first week of July at Carrington. Players will report for training after their summer break, with fitness tests to assess their condition.
World Cup Impact on Pre-Season
The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with 12 United senior players representing their nations. They will be given time off after their international commitments, providing an opportunity for young players to stake a claim.
First-Team Players Available
As of now, the list of first-team players available for pre-season includes: Andre Onana, Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, and Benjamin Sesko.
United aimed to complete the signing of Ederson for pre-season, but his late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad delays his arrival.
Pre-Season Fixtures
United will play 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 club will stay in Europe this summer to protect players from excessive air miles. United did not travel abroad in 2020 or 2021 due to Covid-19, but have played outside Europe every other summer since 2003. Excluding pandemic years, the last full European pre-season was 2002.
Young Talents to Watch
United plan to include talented youngster JJ Gabriel in the pre-season tour squad, demonstrating a pathway to the first team. Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher are also hoping to impress after earning minutes from the bench on the final day of the season against Brighton.
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