There's a sense of optimism and excitement emanating from the United camp with the pre-season fixtures set to kick off next week in Norway. Just a day after the Euro 2024 final whistle blows in Berlin, Erik ten Hag's squad will hope to start the campaign off on the right foot when the Reds take on Rosenborg at Lerkendal Stadium.
The ink was still drying on Ten Hag's one-year contract extension, which will see him as coach through summer 2026, when the manager spoke about the deal, his time at Old Trafford and his vision moving forward.
Erik ten Hag said: "I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together. Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined."
What to Expect from the Upcoming Season
What can fans expect for the upcoming season with the Reds coming off a disappointing campaign? After finishing the 2023-24 campaign in eighth place, Manchester United currently have the sixth-best odds to win the 2024-25 Premier League at +2500. Rival Man City are the favourites to repeat as champions. If you're keen on taking a long shot, check out bonusfinder.co.uk to shop around for the best odds. It's safe to say the odds may not get better than this, especially once United start racking up the wins.
Following the match in Trondheim, the Reds return to the pitch for their second friendly against Rangers on 20 July in Edinburgh. Then, United fly Stateside for a brief tour of the US where they'll face Arsenal in Los Angeles on 27 July, Real Betis in San Diego on 31 July and wrap up their Tour 2024 in Columbia on 3 August against Liverpool.
What lineup can fans expect to see as Man U begins the pre-season? According to Ten Hag, "There will be a mix, with experienced players together with some young players." While Manchester United was fairly well-represented in the knockout rounds of the Euros, just a handful of players are still on international duty competing in the Euros: England's Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and training goalkeeper, Tom Heaton.
Across the pond, Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho will try to help Argentina defeat Canada and advance to the Copa América final, and Facundo Pellistri will likewise try to help secure a berth in the championship game for Uruguay when they take on Colombia.
For the Reds skipper, the pre-season is "one of the only times when you have the team together, and you can work in training on structures, the way of play, but also on certain standards around the team and that’s very important to take this period and use it effectively." It's also a great chance to see up-and-coming young players that are rising through the Academy.
Transfer Rumors Swirl as United Looks to Bolster Squad
The latest transfer buzz includes an optimistic outlook for United to land Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. The Dutch striker tallied 11 goals and 4 assists in 34 games last season in Serie A. In a graphic posted on Sky Sports, you can see how Zirkzee ranks among the top five per cent in all of Europe in the three metrics for creating big chances, attempting dribbles and regaining possession in the final third.
United are also working behind the scenes to land Matthijs de Ligt, a talented centre-back who plays for Bayern Munich. It's worth noting that this is a possible reunion as Ten Hag coached de Ligt at Ajax during their highly successful 2018-2019 season. De Ligt, a young central defender, flourished under ten Hag's guidance, becoming a key player for both club and country.
Along with Arsenal, the Reds are also expected to pursue Ajax striker Brian Brobbey. Across all competitions last season, Brobbey registered 22 goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances. The 22-year-old is estimated to be worth £30million. Brobbey has expressed admiration for both Arsenal and Manchester United but has also mentioned other big clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid. He seems open to a Premier League move but at the moment, remains contracted to Ajax until 2027.
Over 18 years after he left for Real Madrid, Ruud van Niselrooy is set to return to Manchester United as part of an overhaul of Erik ten Hag's coaching staff. In 2023, Van Nistelrooy managed PSV Eindhoven and led the team to a Dutch Cup victory. Fans have already lauded the move and his presence should be a welcomed boon to Ten Hag and Co., solidifying the manager's background staff.
Also joining United as an assistant coach is Rene Hake. He is known for his focus on a balanced approach, prioritising both strong defence and attacking opportunities. Hake and Ten Hag share a history, too, having previously worked together in the youth ranks at FC Twente. This shared philosophy likely influenced Ten Hag's decision to bring Hake on board.
While football fans around the world will be tuned in to the Euros and Copa América, Manchester United will be working to improve their roster and finalise the squad before the transfer window closes in August. And just as the major tournaments are wrapping up, United will be beginning their pre-season. It's an exciting time in the football world and we can hardly wait for the new campaign to start. |
