A select group of Manchester United players arrived at Carrington on Monday morning to get ready for the start of preseason under new manager Erik ten Hag.
With some of the first-team squad arriving at Carrington on Monday, Manchester United’s first preseason under Erik ten Hag has officially begun.
The club’s efforts to add more players have so far been unsuccessful, which disappointed the Dutchman who had hoped to have a number of fresh players present for his first session.
But this week, a deal for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong may materialize, according to sources.
His hiring might mark the beginning of the inflow of players who have made the Dutch international their top target for his first window in charge at Old Trafford.
Following the arrival of the midfielder, it is anticipated that focus will turn to bringing in a flexible forward player before pursuing the acquisition of a central defender and a full-back.
However, for the time being, the players who are already a part of the United team will have an opportunity to win over the new manager.
Before starting the demanding summer schedule, it is anticipated that the team will participate in a number of tests over the first few days of the summer window.
One of the players engaged on Monday, Donny van de Beek, had something to prove to the new manager. The 25-year-old has played for United for two dismal seasons and is now in his third.
Van van Beek played on loan for Everton during the second part of the previous campaign, but after excelling under Ten Hag at Ajax, he now hopes to finally break through at his native club.
“At that time at Ajax, we had a terrific team, Ten Hag said of Van de Beek. “We had a great friendship, truly. Of course, I’m excited to see him on the field once more.”
David de Gea, United’s Players’ Player of the Season after a miserable 2021/22 campaign, reported to the club’s training facility after being left off of Spain’s most recent teams.
With Dean Henderson poised to join Nottingham Forest, Tom Heaton, the team’s backup goalie, appears to be in line for a bigger role.
Although Phil Jones and Brandon Williams have been strongly linked with summer departures, they will participate in the Manchester preseason program unless a deal is reached.
Williams reportedly received a message stating that he is free to join any club of his choice, but his more senior colleague is reportedly aiming to finalize his own leave.