Manchester United’s players are preparing for pre-season to start. Here is a look at a few players to watch out for.
July 9 is the date Manchester United’s players will return to Carrington, with the first friendly against Wrexham being held on the 18th.
With several players absent at the World Cup, pre-season presents a great chance for some of United’s under-utilised players to get a headstart for 2026/27.
Excluding Matthijs de Ligt who won’t be fit, here is a look at the players who will be turning up for pre-season fully fresh and ready to go.
On the cusp
- Tyler Fredricson, Shea Lacey, Jack Fletcher, Bendito Mantato
Young players Tyler Fredricson, Shea Lacey, Jack Fletcher and Bendito Mantato all had a taste of first team action last season.
Lacey is the only one who played under Michael Carrick and he is likely to have a prominent role in pre-season.
There will be others looking to make their mark too, from Chido Obi to Jacob Devaney to Jim Thwaites, to last season’s academy top scorer JJ Gabriel.
With so many players away at the World Cup, pre-season provides an improved chance to get in on the action and make an early mark.
Ready for action
- Ayden Heaven, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu
Four first team players who were under-utilised in 2026 for various reasons. Ayden Heaven was just not given enough chances despite seizing every moment when he did start.
Heaven could be competing with Leny Yoro to start alongside Harry Maguire in United’s pre-season opener.
Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee both struggled for playing time behind Bruno Fernandes last season.
Mount started the final game of last season in central midfield and he could be asked to do this again, due to a dearth of other options.
Patrick Dorgu’s injury in late January impacted his own playing time. He finished the season with a flourish on the final day, and he will be raring to go.
What do YOU think of Manchester United’s pre-season schedule for 2026?
Just for pre-season
- Tom Heaton
Pre-season is Tom Heaton‘s rare chance to play, with the third choice goalkeeper likely to be needed.
Senne Lammens may still be away at the World Cup. It’s possible Altay Bayindir will be back for the first or second match after Turkey’s early elimination.
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