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. With their undoubted progress under Ten Hag, United will be looking to continue their improvement 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, and Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas on July 31. They will then return to Old Trafford for matches against Lens on August 5 and Athletic Bilbao on August 6.
Transfers In
United have already made their first senior summer signing, bringing in 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 for United. The club is also close to finalizing a deal for Andre Onana from Inter Milan for a fee of £45 million. Talks are underway for Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta as a potential new striker, as United looks at alternative targets to Harry Kane. Sofyan Amrabat from Morocco has emerged as another midfield target should United decide to offload some of their current players.
Transfers Out
Captain Harry Maguire has been linked with a move away from United after falling out of favor at the club. Despite the interest from several parties, United is holding out for a fee of £50 million. Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst, who played regular roles for United 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 there is a possibility of another move away for both players as they are currently out of favor under Ten Hag. United is also open to offers for Fred and may allow Scott McTominay to leave.
Contract Talks
United has only four players whose contracts are expiring this summer. David de Gea, who had been with the club for 12 years, has officially left United after failing to reach an agreement on a new deal. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are the other two players set to leave. However, United has triggered a one-year contract extension option for goalkeeper Tom Heaton. Contract extension talks are ongoing with Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford. Rashford has been offered a long-term deal that will see him earn £375,000-per-week, which is expected to be confirmed soon. Additionally, 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 rise under manager Erik ten Hag. With a successful first campaign, including a top-four finish in the Premier League and cup success, the Red Devils will be aiming to build upon their progress and potentially challenge for the title in the upcoming season. With key transfers expected and contract talks underway, United is preparing for an exciting summer as they look to strengthen their squad and continue their upward trajectory.