Manchester United: Pre-Season Fixtures, Transfers, and Contract Talks
Manchester United will be heading into this summer’s pre-season with high hopes of building upon a successful first campaign under manager Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils secured a top-four finish in the Premier League, won the Carabao Cup, and reached the FA Cup final. Now, they will look to use the upcoming pre-season to continue their rise and potentially challenge for the title in the upcoming season.
Pre-Season Fixtures
United will be taking part in a tour of the USA this pre-season, facing some tough opponents along the way. They will kick off their pre-season with a match against bitter rivals Leeds in Oslo on July 12. This will be followed by matches against Lyon in Edinburgh on July 19, Arsenal in New York on July 22, Wrexham in San Diego on July 26, Real Madrid in Houston on July 27, Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas on July 31, Lens at Old Trafford on August 5, and Athletic Bilbao in Dublin on August 6. Please note that these fixtures are subject to change.
Transfers In
Manchester United have already made their first senior summer signing with the acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea for a fee of £60 million. The England international, who was Ten Hag’s top target, will wear the number seven shirt. The club is also close to completing a deal for goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan for a reported fee of £45 million. Talks are also underway for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund as a potential new striker option. Additionally, Morocco World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat has emerged as a target in midfield.
Transfers Out
Captain Harry Maguire has been linked with a move away from Manchester United after falling out of favor at the club. However, the Red Devils are reportedly looking for a fee of £50 million, which has deterred potential suitors. Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst, who played regular roles for the team this season, have returned to their parent clubs. Jack Butland has left Old Trafford and joined Rangers. Alex Telles and Eric Bailly will be returning from their loans, but another move away is possible as they are out of favor under Ten Hag. The club is also open to offers for Fred and may allow Scott McTominay to leave.
Contract Talks
Manchester United only have four players whose contracts are set to expire this summer. David de Gea, who spent 12 years at the club, has officially left after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are the other two players set to leave. On a positive note, goalkeeper Tom Heaton has had his one-year contract extension option triggered, keeping him at Old Trafford. Contract extension talks are ongoing with Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford, with the latter being offered a long-term deal worth £375,000-per-week.
Conclusion
Manchester United will be looking to use their pre-season to continue their progress under manager Erik ten Hag. With key players potentially leaving and new faces expected to come in, the Red Devils will be hoping to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The pre-season fixtures against tough opponents will provide a good test for the team and help them prepare for the challenges ahead. If they can get their pre-season right, Manchester United may position themselves as strong contenders for the Premier League title next season.