Manchester United now have just under three weeks to fine-tune their preparations for their season opener against Manchester City at Wembley.
United will renew their rivalry with their neighbours in the Community Shield on August 10 after beating them in May’s FA Cup final. Sometimes described as a glorified friendly, it will mark their final outing ahead of the Premier League opener against Fulham six days later.
The Reds will step up their preparations for the forthcoming campaign this week, flying to the United States for their pre-season tour. They will face Arsenal this weekend before taking on Real Betis and Liverpool.
United are yet to confirm their travelling squad for the tour, but it is highly likely Leny Yoro will be the only new signing Erik ten Hag will take with him. Fellow new recruit Joshua Zirkzee is entitled to three weeks off after representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
United, of course, could add to their squad while in the US, just as they did last year when they swooped for Andre Onana. He was a late addition to the squad after signing two days before their opening game of the tour.
Having signed a striker and a centre-back so far this summer, United’s attention has now switched to bolstering their midfield. They want to bring in a new defensive operator that can sit at the base of the engine room, following Casemiro’s sharp decline last season.
