Manchester United's five-week pre-season, which included six matches (two wins, two draws, two losses), has officially concluded. While the friendly results may seem relatively ordinary in terms of statistics, the tactical lessons learned by manager Michael Carrick offer both hope and challenges ahead of the new campaign.
The mark of rookies and the rise of young talents.
The most outstanding highlight in Manchester United's performance has been the £48 million signing from Chelsea , Andrey Santos. The 22-year-old midfielder was among the few players to start all six friendly matches, alongside Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven. Santos impressed with his ability to control the tempo, skillful ball control in tight spaces, positional discipline, and leadership in midfield.
Alongside Santos, new signing Youri Tielemans brings a calmness and confident demeanor similar to Carrick's during his playing days. The Belgian midfielder's composure helps the team's play become more fluid, and the initial chemistry between him and captain Bruno Fernandes is very promising.
Furthermore, Bryan Mbeumo's return to full fitness after the African Cup of Nations significantly increased the attacking threat of Manchester United's wingers. In defense, young center-back Ayden Heaven played with maturity, while Leny Yoro adapted well to the right-back position. Up front, Amad Diallo continued his explosive form after the World Cup , and 19-year-old Shea Lacey also demonstrated his potential, although the coaching staff determined he needed to be used cautiously.
The challenges of injuries and squad uncertainty.
Despite receiving many positive signals, Carrick still faces some unresolved headaches. Striker Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow have not played a single minute during the pre-season. Meanwhile, Mason Mount – the standout player in the first three friendlies – suffered a foot injury in the match against Paris St-Germain on August 8th and has been sidelined ever since.
The issue of surplus personnel also requires urgent attention from the Manchester United leadership. Midfielder Toby Collyer, despite being given the opportunity to fill Mount's position, is not part of the long-term plans and is being put on the transfer market. Full-back Harry Amass, who serves as a backup for Luke Shaw, is also set to leave Old Trafford on loan.
Notably, Joshua Zirkzee's situation is raising many doubts. Despite possessing good individual technique, the Dutch striker lacks consistency and has yet to establish a regular starting position in Carrick's system, sometimes even being relegated behind the young talent Lacey in the number 10 role. The option of selling Zirkzee outright to a Serie A club is being considered if a reasonable price is offered.
Furthermore, Marcus Rashford's future remains uncertain. While internal sources suggest a high likelihood of the English striker staying, the prospect of him leaving the club is still possible, forcing the Red Devils' coaching staff to maintain maximum caution in their dealings with the media.