The new era at Manchester United seems like it is well and truly here as the club prepares to kick off the pre-season with a fresh perspective and new personnel.
The executive structure is in place, the manager’s contract has been extended, the transfer targets are being worked on quickly, and the mood of the fanbase is one of hope and excitement after nervousness and trepidation for the last decade.
United begin their pre-season training today (July 8) with a view to preparing for the first game on July 15 against Rosenborg in Norway.
Already, Ineos‘ two new recruits, who haven’t even been officially announced so far, have reportedly started their work at the club.
New-look team gets to work
Manchester Evening News reports that both Ruud Van Nistelrooij and Rene Hake are at Carrington today (July 8) as players report back for pre-season.
Neither’s arrival has been officially announced so far but it remains an open secret that the pair will be Ten Hag’s assistants in the new-look setup.
Fans will be particularly excited to Nistelrooij back at the club after he departed as a player, having scored 150 goals in 219 games.
Hake also comes as a highly-rated coach after guiding an unfancied Go Ahead Eagles to European qualifications through the league last season.
They are soon expected to be joined by Jelle Ten Rouwelaar, the goalkeeping coach arriving from Burnley who has a reputation for coaching goalkeepers into a modern style of play.
Ten Hag’s current assistant, Mitchell van der Gaag could see his position in danger as he also seeks pastures anew, potentially in a managerial role. Readjusting Steve McLaren’s role could also be on the horizon.
Exciting pre-season in the offing
Beyond just staffing changes, there are a lot of things to look forward to in the pre-season. Players will come back determined to prove a point after a wretched last season.
There are storylines to follow there too, with Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood in particular subject of intense media scrutiny.
For Ten Hag, this seems like the most important season of his United career as his contract extension only takes him till 2026, so a bad performance this season could see him get dismissed early.
With a new staff, executive structure, and few marquee additions, everyone would be hoping to wash away the stench of last season and work towards a brighter future for the club.
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