​Manchester United returned to pre-season yesterday after roughly six weeks off since the end of the 2025/2026 campaign. The Red Devils began last season slowly, but after Ruben Amorim was dismissed, their form picked up significantly. Michael Carrick took charge in January, and United responded with markedly more consistent results, climbing to third in the table and earning a place in this season’s Champions League competition.
Many United players have been involved in the World Cup over the past month, and with the quarter-finals underway, more squad members are now coming back. Noussair Mazraoui was the latest to bow out after Morocco’s 2-0 defeat to France. Nevertheless, players who took part in the World Cup will gradually rejoin the group throughout the month, depending on how far their nations progressed.
The Manchester Evening News noted that Harry Amass and Shea Lacey are among the youth players reported for pre-season training at Carrington. Academy prospects Tyler Fredericson and Jack Fletcher have also returned to training ahead of United’s first pre-season fixture in just eight days, a clash with Wrexham in Helsinki, Finland. Toby Collyer, who spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, is also in the mix, going through his paces with the squad.
The paper also highlighted the presence of a few first-team stars. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount were all in attendance after missing out on England’s World Cup squad selection, as was Ayden Heaven. First-team players Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee were back as well after not featuring for their national teams at the World Cup. Recent signings Patrick Dorgu, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko were all back at Carrington, eager to hit the ground running. Dermot Mee has rejoined the group after recently signing a new contract.
As the squad gears up for the new campaign, coach Erik ten Hag and his players are looking to build on the momentum established late last season. With a blend of established first-team veterans, returning World Cup participants, and promising academy talents, United aim to hit the ground running in pre-season and translate that readiness into strong domestic and European showings once the season gets underway.