Manchester United’s Pre-Season Preparations
As Manchester United prepares for its upcoming season, the club has granted five of its players, including Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, the option to delay their return to pre-season training. This decision comes in light of the players expressing their intentions to seek new opportunities, resulting in a later return to training for them in July, while their teammates are expected back at Carrington on Monday.
Coaching Changes and Player Movements
New head coach Ruben Amorim has already made decisions regarding the squad, leading to Rashford, Antony, and Malacia spending part of last season on loan at clubs including Aston Villa and Real Betis. Furthermore, Sancho, who was on loan at Chelsea before Amorim arrived, finds himself in limbo as the club chose not to trigger a guaranteed purchase option. They instead paid a penalty of £5 million after failing to negotiate personal terms for a protracted deal.
Garnacho’s Future and Club Challenges
In an unexpected move, Garnacho has been advised to find a new club after expressing discontent with the team’s direction post their Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Chelsea has reportedly maintained an interest in acquiring him.
Amidst the backdrop of these movements, the club still faces challenges in offloading these players, hindering their ability to raise funds for new signings beyond Mathus Cunha, who recently transferred from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5 million and will don Rashford’s former No. 10 jersey.
Pre-Season Schedule
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the futures of these five players, Manchester United will keep medical and rehabilitation facilities accessible for their use while they are away from the club. The pre-season schedule will kick off with a match against Leeds United in Stockholm on July 20, paving the way for a tour in the United States as part of the Premier League Summer Series.
