Manchester United will begin their pre-season programme on Saturday, even before the World Cup has concluded.
The Red Devils will not embark on a full tour this summer, but instead have arranged several fixtures in and around Europe. This campaign starts with a tie against Wrexham at the Helsingin Olympiastadion in Helsinki, Finland.
New signings expected to feature
Fans should get a chance to see new signings Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow in action, as both have been involved in first-team training this week. Another new recruit, Cristian Orozco, could also be thrown into the mix, but Youri Tielemans is still on holiday after representing Belgium in the World Cup.
Defence
With Senne Lammens and Altay Bayindir also on holiday, Darlow could start ahead of Dermot Mee and Tom Heaton in goal. Radek Vitek, who won player of the season on loan at Bristol City last term, could also feature.
Leny Yoro may start at right-back, with Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven as the centre-backs and Luke Shaw at left-back. Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez have all been on World Cup duty, and Matthijs de Ligt is still recovering from back surgery.
Patrick Dorgu will also get minutes, and we may see the likes of Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Godwill Kukonki, Diego Leon and Reece Munro at some stage.
Midfield
Santos could line up in central midfield alongside Mason Mount, who has been tipped to play more in that role this term. Orozco, Sekou Koné, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore, Jim Thwaites and the Fletcher twins are also in contention.
Manuel Ugarte is a long-term absentee with an ACL injury. Kobbie Mainoo and Tielemans are on holiday.
Attack
Benjamin Sesko was not spotted in the training pictures released by the club this week and is probably not quite ready to play as he continues an individual fitness programme. Chido Obi could well come in as the striker.
Bryan Mbeumo should start on the right wing with Shea Lacey on the left. Alternatively, Mbeumo could play as the striker with Lacey on the right and Patrick Dorgu on the left. Josh Zirkzee is expected to play in the number 10 position.
Young prodigies Enzo Kana-Biyik and JJ Gabriel will also be hoping to see some action. Bruno Fernandes, Amad, Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford are on holiday.
Final thoughts
- Several potential debuts including new signings Santos, Darlow and Orozco
- Obi and Lacey get a chance to impress from kick-off
- JJ Gabriel and Enzo Kana-Biyik could feature
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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