Manchester United are preparing to step up their pre-season preparations with a double-header against Wrexham and Real Madrid.
A young United side, featuring Jonny Evans, will take to the pitch on Tuesday night to play the National League champions in an all-American ownership affair. United have announced a 15-man squad will travel to face Phil Parkinson’s men.
The rest of Erik ten Hag’s squad will be saved for Thursday night in a Galactico clash with Real Madrid. This will be United’s best test of pre-season to date after seeing off Leeds United, Lyon and Arsenal in their first three games.
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READ MORE: Manchester United give updates on Amad and Anthony Martial
United trained in California on Monday ahead of this week’s games and here are a few things we noticed.
Battle train
Ten Hag gave a positive update on the Frenchman at his press conference later that day and Martial did indeed train with the group. Martial picked up six separate injuries last season and played in just 29 of United’s 62 games, so his fitness needs to be carefully managed.
“Obviously when you have a player in your squad you have to expect him to be available and the players have to take responsibility to be available, but when he’s not I have to deal with the situation and we’ve shown we can be successful without that striker,” Ten Hag said.
“But of course it’s easier when you have that striker in your team because every club that wins major trophies has scoring ability in that team.
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The transfer window is in full swing and United have already got their hands on two players, with Mason Mount and Andre Onana through the door at Old Trafford
Erik ten Hag’s attention now turns to signing a new goalscorer after their struggles in that department last season. Anthony Martial is the only true striker in United’s squad, and his fitness cannot be trusted, so United are looking at Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Kane as options.
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“We need a good squad and Anthony Martial is a brilliant footballer so he will help us score goals. And also in other areas like pressing and possession in combinations, he is a great player. So we hope he is fit and that he stays fit.”
With Martial back in action with his teammates, he could play a role against Real Madrid. Jadon Sancho has started the first three friendlies up front.
All smiles from Maguire
Only Maguire will really know how he feels about losing the captaincy, but he is committed to getting his Manchester United career back on track. For now, his future appears to be at Old Trafford.
The Englishman released an impressive statement in the wake of Ten Hag’s ruthless but fair decision. In training, he remains optimistic and positive despite a tough year.
It will be interesting to see if Maguire’s attitude changes as the window closes. With the European champions looming next summer, Gareth Southgate has warned him that he will need to play more minutes to start for his country.
Mainoo still with seniors
United have already named 15 players who have traveled to San Diego to face Wrexham, although many more youngsters are expected to join them for the clash with the League Two outfit.
The training squad looked much closer, with many of the club’s young stars seemingly preparing for the friendly with Wrexham, but one star who was still with his senior teammates was Kobbie Mainoo.
The midfielder has been the standout player of United’s pre-season so far, producing a number of polished performances. The 18-year-old was expected to link up with his fellow juniors in San Diego, but his inclusion in the session suggests he may be in the squad to face Real Madrid.
Onana tends to goals
New Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana seems to be settling in well with his new team-mates.
The £47.2m signing was spotted between the sticks during the club’s latest training session despite missing out on a place in the squad for the friendly against Arsenal. Onana took to the pitch at the MetLife Stadium to warm up with his fellow goalkeepers and looks ready to be included when the Reds face Real Madrid.
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