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 are looking 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. 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, securing the services of Mason Mount from Chelsea for a fee of £60 million. Mount, who was Ten Hag’s top target, will wear the number seven shirt for the Red Devils. 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. In midfield, Morocco World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat has emerged as another target should United decide to offload some players.
Transfers Out
Captain Harry Maguire has been linked with a move away from Manchester United after falling out of favor at the club. Maguire lost his starting spot due to injury and poor performances and may now seek a fresh start elsewhere. However, the club’s asking price of £50 million has deterred potential suitors. Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst, who played important roles for the Red Devils this season, have returned to their parent clubs. Jack Butland has also left Old Trafford to join Rangers. Additionally, there is a possibility of Alex Telles and Eric Bailly leaving the club, as they have been out of favor under Ten Hag. Fred and Scott McTominay could also be allowed to leave if suitable offers come in.
Contract Talks
Manchester United have only 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 agree on a new deal. The Spaniard made 545 appearances for the Red Devils, winning eight trophies, including a Premier League title. 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 also ongoing with Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford. Rashford has been offered a long-term deal that will see him earn £375,000 per week, and an announcement is expected soon. In addition, Diogo Dalot has signed a fresh five-year contract with the option for a sixth.
Conclusion
Manchester United will be looking to use their upcoming pre-season to continue their progress under Erik ten Hag. With key players potentially leaving and new faces expected to arrive, the Red Devils will be aiming to strengthen their squad and challenge for the title in the upcoming season. The pre-season fixtures against tough opponents will provide a good test for the team as they prepare for the challenges ahead. Fans will be eagerly watching the transfer activity and contract talks to see how the squad shapes up for the new campaign.