Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has announced his 29-man squad for the team’s upcoming pre-season tour in the United States. However, fans will notice that 10 key players are missing from the roster. The squad will be traveling to Los Angeles to kick off their pre-season trip, which includes matches against Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool.
Among the players included in the squad is new signing Leny Yoro, who recently joined from Lille. Additionally, Christian Eriksen, Tom Heaton, Rasmus Hojlund, and Scott McTominay are set to feature after returning to training earlier this month. The squad also boasts the likes of Andre Onana, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho.
However, there are several notable absences from the squad. Joshua Zirkzee, who was signed recently, is not part of the team as he is still on his summer break following Euro 2024. Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Pellistri, and Luke Shaw are also on leave after their international appearances.
Furthermore, Tyrell Malacia is absent as he continues his rehabilitation from injury under the guidance of the medical staff at Carrington. Lisandro Martinez and Garnacho, who won the Copa America with Argentina in the US, are enjoying time with their families. Mainoo and Luke Shaw, who were part of the England team that lost to Spain in the Euro final, are entitled to three weeks’ mandatory holiday.
Manchester United seems to have learned from their past mistakes in terms of their pre-season preparations. After a challenging tour last year that covered Europe and the US and resulted in a grueling 62-game season and 15,236 air miles traveled, the team has made adjustments. They will spend two fewer nights away and play a total of six pre-season games, instead of eight as they did last summer.
This cautious approach may have been prompted by the team’s experience last season, which was marred by injuries. Kobbie Mainoo, for example, suffered an ankle injury that kept him out for four months. As a result, the team struggled throughout the season.
The squad’s goalkeepers for the pre-season tour include Tom Heaton, Demot Mee, Andre Onana, and Radek Vitek. The defensive line features players like Harry Amass, Rhys Bennett, Jonny Evans, Will Fish, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Sam Murray, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Leny Yoro. In midfield, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Hannibal, Jack Fletcher, Sam Mather, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount, Maxi Oyedele, and James Scanlon are included. The forward line consists of Antony, Amad, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Ethan Wheatley.
It is important to note that some players have been reported as injured, such as Tyrell Malacia. Others have been left out of the squad due to various reasons, including Joshua Zirkzee, Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Pellistri, and Luke Shaw.
Overall, Manchester United’s pre-season squad for their US tour shows a mix of new signings, returning players, and notable absences. The team’s decision to adjust their approach and prioritize player rest and recovery may prove beneficial in avoiding injuries and ensuring a successful upcoming season.