Four reasons to look forward to Manchester United’s first pre-season game

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Manchester United’s pre-season gets underway on Sunday when the Red Devils take on Derby County.

Many of United’s first team stars are absent after extended summer breaks due to international involvement.

But there are a number of big names available like Mason Greenwood, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata.

Here is a look at four reasons to be excited about United’s return to action and what we can expect this coming weekend…

United over England

Watching England has been fine. This summer it has actually been quite good at times. But it does not compare to watching United.

Even watching an under strength United team will have Red Devils fans more animated than supporting the Three Lions. Give us a pre-season game against Derby any day.

It is going to be a joy to see United’s players back in action after the heartbreaking way last season ended. This is a chance to start afresh ahead of another long season, one which hopefully ends a better way. It will be good to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a smile back on his face.

Wayne Rooney and another familiar face

This will be Wayne Rooney’s first ever match against Manchester United as a manager.

It really will be odd to see the club’s record scorer in the dugout against us, and after a tough season last year, he will be determined his side record a morale boosting win.

There could be another familiar face on show too. BBC Sport report former United youngster Ravel Morrison is on trial with Rooney’s Derby. He could get a chance to impress and he would love the chance to show what he can go against his old club.

Tom Heaton debut likely

Tom Heaton may only have been signed as a back-up and there is not a buzz like there is with Jadon Sancho’s arrival, but it is always good to see new players introduced to the team.

The goalkeeper will likely play around 45 minutes and he will be keen to get back out there to represent the club after 11 years away from Old Trafford.

Heaton has been training with the first team for two weeks now and he will be ready. First team chances might not come too frequently for Heaton next season so he will be keen to make the most of what he can in pre-season.

Young players

One of the highlights of pre-season is always watching young players get their chances. The international tournaments this year mean these early friendlies will be dominated by youth.

The likes of Will Fish, Teden Mengi and Di’Shon Bernard could feature in defence, while Ethan Galbraith, Dylan Levitt and James Garner may all get opportunities in midfield.

Facundo Pellistri, Shola Shoretire, Joe Hugill and Anthony Elanga will all expect to be involved in some capacity in attack with so many first team stars out.

United could make full changes at half-time and use two different XIs, which will mean a high number of young players will get a chance to show what they can do.

All of these players will be desperate to show what they can do to boost each of their own individual prospects.

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