Manchester United ended last season with their worst Premier League finish, a loss in a European final, having to change their manager last season at the busiest run of games in the calendar, unable to bring in players in January, and a squad where at least 5 players are demanding to leave the club. Off-field there’s been massive redundancies and cuts, plans for a £1billion stadium that’s nowhere near starting and Britain’s richest man claiming the club would be bust by Christmas unless the spending changes at the club. It’s fair to say the mood around the club couldn’t be much lower, and yet the start of the new pre-season campaign has fans feeling excited and energised to see their club perform once again, a testament to the passion and support the fanbase contains.

The summer is yet to really get going, with only 2 players in (Cunha, Leon) and no outgoings, there’s plenty to be done, along with a tour of the US sandwiched either side by a clash in Sweden with Leeds United, and a home tie against Fiorentina. With 5 games across 3 countries to go, we will see United play 4 Premier League opponents ahead of the upcoming season, while there’s lots of incomings and outgoings to be expected, and there’s even more work to be done off-field over the summer, to give United and their fans a chance to feel positive about the direction of the club, and feeling that the new season could bring some level of success or returning to the level they expect at least.

As always, if you have any thoughts on Manchester United ahead of the new season or for the rest of the summer and the possible transfer activity that we could see, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

vs Leeds United

Kicking off the pre-season efforts, is another one of the frequent trips over to Scandinavia, where this time a clash with arch-rivals Leeds United awaits in Sweden. Both really well supported in that part of the world, it has become a semi-regular part of the pre-season preparations to face off with their rivals over the Pennines, and it sees the start of a 5 game run that sees United take on 4 Premier League opponents ahead of the upcoming season, and gives the worldwide fanbase a chance to see their team closer to home.

With travel being more considered this year than in some previous summers, this first game is usually a good chance to get the squad together after a few weeks away, it allows a massive blend of senior and youth players as we will probably see 2 full XIs getting a run out in this clash, and the opponent being a rival club and now a Premier League rival, makes the challenge a bit more interesting.

Fans in Sweden will be potentially able to see new man Cunha featuring as he will likely travel with the squad and be involved in some way in the game, while the big names players will also get a run out for a period of time at least. There won’t be too much focus or pressure on the result or performance at this stage of the summer, but a win could see United setting themselves up for a positive tour and give a sense of the turnaround taking place from last season to the fresh new start fans are hoping for.

US Tour

The Premier League Summer Series, the trophy United fans have dreamt about for years. Well… maybe not, but the US tour this year sees United facing off against 3 fellow Premier League sides who all caused problems for United last year, in the second ever edition of the summer tournament. After some disastrous pre-season campaigns in recent years which saw unnecessary travel across the US, too many games and injuries costing United in the season proper, this feels sensible. United will be based in Chicago, keeping the club with one set base that players can use to bond and enjoy a great city, while travel will be focussed only on the east of the country, avoiding extra travel and flights that impact on recovery and performance when the season rolls around.

The opponents also pose an interesting challenge:

West Ham United beat United twice last season, firstly in Ten Hag’s final game with a controversial decision at the end, and secondly at Old Trafford when United were focussed fully on Europe. Under Graham Potter, they will be after a strong pre-season like Amorim’s side, and so the battle between these clubs will be interesting. They have several big talents that they’re keeping a hold of, including Bowen and former United full-back Wan-Bissaka who could have been utilised heavily in this current United setup.

Bournemouth won again at Old Trafford as they have become accustomed to in recent years, and then Hojlund salvaged a draw late away from home when again the focus was on Europe, but a result was still needed despite facing their worst Premier League finish. Last season, Bournemouth were one of the most positively viewed sides as Iraola produced a strong campaign which despite missing out on Europe, they still impressed and everyone at the club gained credit. Although they’re losing several big players this summer, they still pose a huge threat, and arguably the toughest side to face this summer for United.

Everton United had their strongest showing of the season in one of Amorim’s first games at Old Trafford where they won 4-0 and everything started looking positive at the club before it all fell apart again, and then the comeback from Ugarte and Fernandes which saw a dramatic but underwhelming 2-2 draw. A clash against former United manager David Moyes, who may look at the backing of Amorim and wonder why this wasn’t the same luxury given to him at the club, but he is more than capable of putting a team out that causes issues against this United side.

Facing these sides in the summer allows United to show their immediate progress, and gives Amorim and staff a chance to learn more about some potential opponents that the club are keen to leapfrog this season as United aim to make up 10 places and get back into the Champions League contention.

vs Fiorentina

United conclude their pre-season campaign on Saturday 9th August against their only non-Premier League opponents, and the only game on home turf at Old Trafford against Italian side Fiorentina. With the opening Premier League game the following Sunday against Arsenal, United will face off against Fiorentina with a final chance to put the team to the test against a strong opponent who had a run in the Conference League last season.

While Amorim could opt to hide some of his final selection choices for the game against Arsenal, it’s more likely that he will go for the preferred XI to give the team a chance to gel and trial a few tactical instructions before the opening Premier League game, and fans will be keen to see any newcomers on show as they can show the team their full support ahead of an important season after last years disappointment.

The game also offers an interesting return, as David De Gea confirmed he is staying in Italy with the visitors for next season. A keeper who played for United over 500 times, and won 4 player of the year awards, his departure from Old Trafford leaves a sour taste as fans were not given the chance to send De Gea off with the respect deserved for his tenure at the club, so he’ll be sure to receive a positive warm welcome, with many fans wishing he wasn’t departing at full-time as he could certainly offer a lot for United in their current state.

Finally, Fiorentina have a striker in Moise Kean who has been linked with United this summer. While the reports are quieter than some other options in an attacking sense, the links remain and could add an extra level of intrigue to the clash, although most are believing United would be searching elsewhere for attacking reinforcements, but you never know.

Transfers

At time of writing, transfers have been steady but rumours continue to swirl around the club. Just 2 players in the door, one expected first XI player and one youth prospect who could be given a few minutes this season, there’s plenty more work to be done on the incomings, and the outgoings are even more crucial it could be argued.

On the incomings, the arrival of Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon are a solid start. Cunha is one that happened quickly given his release clause and the club wanting his fee to be on last years accounts, but getting that done quickly prevents any bidding wars, and allows the club to begin building with the Brazilian in the pre-season clashes. Diego Leon was already in the club but kept out at his former club for last year. I don’t expect too much this season from Leon as he adjusts to life in England, but his comments about the pre-season, and the ability to challenge Dorgu, Amass and Shaw for the left wing-back spot likely means he will be in with a chance of getting minutes this season.

With what’s left to be done, the current rumours and reports are heavy on Bryan Mbeumo, as the club continue to discuss with Brentford for the forward. This would be a perfect match to go along with Cunha as United replace their outgoing number 10s to bring in two proven goalscorers and creators, bringing almost a guaranteed 30 goal contributions in those two signings. While the fee could get a bit silly, United are keen to keep this close to the Cunha cost which I think makes this a strong bit of business, as you can get 5 years minimum from Mbeumo, he’s a proven Premier League talent, and has the attitude and personality that can work in this new-look United. I did wonder if United needed someone in that role, with Amad, Zirkzee, Mount, Fernandes and Mainoo all able to do the same role, but none of those really come close to Mbeumo’s proven quality and given the departures we will discuss shortly, there’s plenty of options for United to take with those others.

United still need to address the centre forward spot, after missing their main target of Liam Delap, their second choices could be very expensive, and reports are that United will have to sell first. The targets are getting more limited as other clubs do their business, but there’s several notable names on the list that could give United’s front 3 a huge boost, while the back-up options of a free transfer perhaps leave a bit to be desired if United take the cheaper options this summer. In a dream world, United would also need to address the midfield, where a player to partner Fernandes could be useful, especially with the captain dropping deeper with the new arrivals, and the goalkeeper question remains, with maybe a new second choice, if not first choice replacement probably being on most fans wish lists.

In terms of outgoings, the ‘bomb squad’ as they’ve been named, includes Rashford, Garnacho, Antony, Sancho and Malacia. All of these have made their desire to leave clear to the club, and so they won’t be involved in pre-season, and instead focus will be on getting these players off the books, ideally on a permanent basis. Rashford made his feelings clear that he wants Barcelona, but this depends on their desire to bring in the forward, Garnacho wants a Premier League move, but his approach and attitude could limit suitors, Antony is waiting for Real Betis who don’t have the cash, Sancho can’t seem to get a move due to his high wages, and Malacia simply hasn’t been able to play enough to get a move over the line. If United can stand firm on these, there is potentially £150million+ worth of talent to depart and plenty of wages saved. United do however have to avoid getting to a point where they let players leave for cheap, or only on loans with no buy obligations, or even worse that the players stay and United have to re-integrate them into the squad. This has to be a focus for the hierarchy as the well documented feelings around these players mean there simply isn’t a future at the club.

Elsewhere with departures, it would be wise to consider the likes of Hojlund, Casemiro and Onana probably available for departure if a decent offer arrives. In these 3 players, there is value, or high wages that United would probably expect to bring a player in should any depart. These 3 would be surplus to requirement if the new arrivals come in, and United may be open to these players leaving but could also imagine starting the season with all 3 involved in the squad as they are seemingly happy to stay. There’s also several youngsters needing a loan move, and Jonny Evans has taken on the role of managing these at the club. Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Ethan Williams, Sekou Kone and others are players with high potential but need to maybe develop in their final stages by possibly taking a loan move out to play regular senior football, but again these may end up featuring more in the first team and getting minutes if they remain at Old Trafford.

Other Stuff

While we’ve covered the on-pitch clashes and transfers, there’s still plenty more to address on the other side of the club. After last year facing daily articles and stories being leaked out of the club, there’s a huge effort to be seen as a top-level side again and cut down on the humiliation that piles onto the pitch when results aren’t going the clubs way. We have a list of 5 things to address off the pitch:

PR – I found Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s willingness to speak very refreshing as an owner coming in, and the increased open nature with fan groups and supporters very promising. However PR remains a huge problem. Every story or rumour gets leaked out of the club, with even players being accused of leaking bad stories out to journalists. We need a real PR campaign to help the clubs image, and question and clarify what information gets out from within the club. While all negative stories can’t be eliminated, we need a team of competent PR staff to push back and prepare the club better around this. Whether it’s Ratcliffe’s interview with Gary Neville, the squad selection leaks, stories of staff cuts being exaggerated, dressing room stories or players on social media liking posts criticising others, it needs to be seriously worked on and improved, as all of these off-field issues filter onto the pitch and also create a joke image of the club which can hurt potentially the fanbase and reputation of the club.

Media Duties – While thinking PR, we also need to address the media duties for staff, in particular the manager. While Amorim is doing the contracted number of interviews, and he is the perfect interviewee with his charismatic personality, openness and honesty in the way he speaks, it’s still too much. Nearly 500 interviews were done last season with the manager in just over half of a season, and while United won’t have the European commitments for a year, maybe United could push back on some of the constant sit-down interviews and constant questions being put to the coach. Figure out an alternative where interviews can be grouped together, time limited or done all in one go, give the manager a break and let him do his job on the training ground.

Stadium – We’ve had a year of talk, a collective of individuals putting ideas together and meetings, and a mock-up of a stadium that had more questions than answers. If United are serious about the new stadium build, we need to see a concrete plan by the end of this season, and ideally have work beginning. It’s going to be a several year job, but United need to have a timeline of when the stadium will be done, as we want to see the likes of Mainoo, Amad and Yoro all able to play in the new stadium leading the way for United, and currently it feels more like the U9s might just about be able to play there by the time it’s all done.

Fans – DON’T EXPLOIT FANS! Yes United have a worldwide fanbase who will spend thousands to travel and watch the team, but don’t forget the fans in the local area, families and the working people of the City who have to feel like the club represent them as much as anyone else, or they may be tempted to go watch some of the other offerings Greater Manchester has to offer. Don’t move fans of 30+ years out of their seats, don’t hike up prices where going to the game becomes impossible to afford, and maybe you will encourage a louder and more loyal support going to every game, getting the next generation into the club and getting the atmosphere and feeling in the stands to reach a new level. You can still have your hospitality seats, your worldwide fans coming to watch, but make the experience for everyone better by thinking carefully of the fans in the stadium and around the club.

Staff – While the redundancies to cut down the workforce does make some element of sense, as reports suggested United had a hugely inflated workforce with hundreds of staff more than other top level clubs in England, there’s still an element of care and consideration for those who work behind the scenes. I understand cost-cutting is needed, restructures may be useful, but remember the people working day-in day-out are part of the club, so offering free lunches, free tickets to games and those small perks go a long way in retaining and recruiting the ‘best in class’ at all levels of the club, something that can’t be overlooked. If the staff cleaning up and serving food are smiling, this will filter through to fans, to players and to other staff at the club.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts on United during pre-season with us on our social media platforms (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin – YouTube @NextGoalWinner), and also if you think there could be any extra additions to the squad by the time the season rolls around then let us know who you think might be on the way in this summer.