Manchester United

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick picked all his most experienced players to start in the friendly defeat to Wrexham and changed his entire team at half-time - and there is obviously lots that cannot be learned from a single 45-minute outing.

However, it was clear what Andrey Santos' task was.

Starting on the left of a two-man midfield, with Mason Mount on the right and Jack Fletcher slightly further forward, Santos was the player who always dropped back the furthest.

It didn't happen often, but Santos was not scared to take up a position akin to a quarterback in NFL as deepest player; if anything goes wrong there, you are in trouble.

In formation terms, it was the role Casemiro has vacated since his contract expired at the end of last season.

Santos is clearly more mobile than his fellow countryman. Whether he can read a game anywhere near as well is another question.

He is alert, though. At one point early in the contest, he slid in to intercept a pass going to a player he had been marking but had let run into the area without being pursued.

Largely, Santos was effective.

There were not too many moments of genuine excitement for a crowd of 20,069 at the Olympic Stadium.

But the former Vasco da Gama man provided one as he spotted danger building around the Manchester United box and sprinted across to address it. The firm block of Smith's attempted cross drew appreciative applause from the fans who were invested in the game and knew what they were watching, which is not always the case in pre-season.

There was evidence, both in the warm-ups and the match itself, that Santos can deliver accurate first-time passes in short spaces, which could allow him to both play alongside or instead of Kobbie Mainoo, who was by far United's best at doing that over the second half of last season.

European champions Spain broke the resistance of 10-man Argentina in extra-time to win their second ever World Cup in New Jersey.

Barcelona's Ferran Torres was the difference maker in what was an overall disappointing final that was littered with interruptions.

Spain created the best opportunities against the defending world champions, who mainly resorted to spoiling tactics and had Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez sent off just before the game went into extra time.

Torres was the hero for Spain when he collected substitute Nico Williams' header to beat Argentina and Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez with a powerful shot from close range after 106 minutes.

Seven Premier League players will now return to their five respective clubs for the new 2026-27 season having won the biggest honour in world football.

Liverpool are prepared to join Manchester United in the race for Roma's 25-year-old France midfielder Manu Kone. (Football Insider), external

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Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will help Argentina's attempt for back-to-back World Cups against Spain - live on BBC One from 19:00 BST - while also bidding for his second title.

Martinez became the fifth player to win the World Cup while playing for United, despite being an unused sub in the victory over France at Qatar 2022.

Fast forward to 2026 and the centre-back has started six of Argentina's seven games at the tournament, scoring against Cape Verde in the last 32.

Can United's number six make it back-to-back world titles? Only European champions Spain stand in their way.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter in Helsinki

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Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek says he hopes to resolve his future quickly as he looks to secure a move away from Old Trafford.

After encouraging loan spells at Accrington Stanley and in the Austrian Bundesliga, Vitek excelled at Bristol City last season, winning three club player of the year awards.

While some United fans hoped that would signal a return to the club as deputy to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens this season, that was never under consideration.

It had been expected that Vitek would find a new club before pre-season began.

That has not happened, and the Czech goalkeeper kept a clean sheet during the second half of the 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki.

It remains to be seen whether Vitek will also be involved on 24 July when United travel to Norway to face Rosenborg.

However, he is clear that his current situation is only temporary.

"I'm ready to go somewhere again and hopefully be number one," he said.

Asked whether that would be another loan move or a permanent transfer, Vitek replied: "I'm ready for both, to be fair. It depends on what the club wants and also on the options.

"There has been a few interests on the table. We're hoping to choose the best one and hopefully it will happen soon."

Speaking to BBC Sport in March, Vitek said his main objective was to play regularly.

Nothing has changed.

"My mind is the same," he said. "I want to play every week and that's the goal for next season."

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously complained about United's inability to generate significant funds through the sale of academy players.

They may be able to achieve that with Vitek, which is why a permanent transfer remains a possibility despite the goalkeeper having two years remaining on his contract, rather than another loan spell.

However, any deal would almost certainly include a substantial sell-on clause and a buy-back option.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter in Helsinki

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Manchester United have played down fitness concerns over striker Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

The pair were notable absentees from the 25-man squad named by head coach Michael Carrick for the opening game of United's pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July.

Sesko missed the final three games of last season with a shin problem that flared up during the home victory over Liverpool on 3 May.

Wales and former Leeds United keeper Darlow has had what is being described as a "procedure" at the end of last season.

"Both players are expected to be fully fit and available for the start of 2026-27," said the club.

Andrey Santos, a £48m signing from Chelsea, is included, but Youri Tielemans is missing, along with United's other senior players who have been at the World Cup.

There is no Matthijs de Ligt in the squad as he recovers from back surgery.

Defender Tyler Fredricson is not involved either before what is expected to be a permanent summer move away from Old Trafford. Europe is seen as a likely destination for the 21-year-old, whose proposed switch to Celtic in January fell through after he was injured before it could be completed.

Fifteen-year-old forward JJ Gabriel is not involved as he only returned to training less than a week ago.

The Wrexham game marks the start of a six-game pre-season for United, who have opted to stay in Europe rather than venture to the United States or Asia.

They also play Rosenburg in Trondheim on 24 July before facing Atletico Madrid in Stockholm (1 August), Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg (8 August), Leeds in Dublin (12 August) and AC Milan in Wroclaw (15 August).

Travelling squad: Heaton, Vitek, Mee, Maguire, Dorgu, Yoro, Shaw, Heaven, Amass, Kamason, Armer, Mount, Santos, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Collyer, Gore, Devaney, Thwaites, Zirkzee, Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Wheatley, Lacey, Williams.

Image source, Getty Images

With pre-season officially in full swing, we asked you to tell us what you're looking forward to about club football returning.

Here are some of your replies:

Beth: I can't wait to see Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans play together. Hopefully it's our year!

Nigel: Simply looking forward to seeing Manchester United compete in all competitions. We have not seen this for a while.

Paul: I am hoping that United can get closer to the top teams this season, have a reasonable Champions League campaign and maybe win a trophy (League or FA Cup).

Peter: I long for United to once again be a force in the Premier League. However, they never will be as long as they miss out on players such as Elliot Anderson because of the cost. United must be one of the richest clubs in the world but are being run as a business and not a football team.

Andrew: For the first time in a long time, I'm optimistic about the season. United have made a couple of key signings. I'd like to see Harry Amass as back-up to Luke Shaw and integrate some youth players into the squad. We have to develop these players! Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City all do this. You can't solve everything by spending, and bringing young players through will encourage others to sign.

Mark: The youth making an impact on the first team - JJ Gabriel, Shea Lacey and Jim Thwaites all getting first-team minutes. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans combining well, or alongside Kobbie Mainoo or Mason Mount. Benjamin Sesko getting 20 goals in a season - he should play more regularly.

Dom: Watching Kobbie actually getting to play football.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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In the immediate aftermath of Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January, Manchester United let it be known their search for a new boss would be widespread – and would likely involve managers who were committed to countries competing at the World Cup.

However, a good source quickly told me such an approach was impractical, certainly if it involved one of the countries predicted to have a long run in the competition.

Managers could not risk the backlash that would inevitably follow if they committed to go elsewhere once the tournament ended as it would deflect attention away from the task in hand.

Then, there is the reality results would dictate whether the particular manager had succeeded or failed.

In United's case, the three most commonly mentioned were Carlo Ancelotti, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

None of that trio has enhanced their reputation in the United States this summer. If Tuchel had been preparing to take over at Old Trafford given the fall-out from his perceived tactical disaster against Argentina, the German would have found himself on the back foot from day one.

There was a lot of debate around whether Michael Carrick should have been given the job – given his results he was a clear and obvious choice – but as he flies out to Helsinki for United's first pre-season game against Wrexham on Saturday, United's hierarchy can be thankful they at least are starting from a solid base.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United coach Jonny Evans gave the club's approach for Youri Tielemans his seal of approval.

The pair were team-mates at Leicester for four years, from 2019, and were part of the Foxes' 2020 FA Cup-winning side.

Both players left King Power Stadium in 2023, Evans for United and Tielemans for Aston Villa.

The Belgium international has now made a £35m switch to Old Trafford himself.

Evans has kept in touch with the 29-year-old, who is expected to bring some creativity to United's midfield under Michael Carrick.

It was natural therefore Carrick should talk to Evans before pushing through with the deal.

"Jonny has been a big influence," Tielemans told United's in-house media. "I think he spoke to the manager about my character and personality."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United head to Finland on Friday afternoon to start their pre-season campaign against Championship side Wrexham in Helsinki on Saturday (16:00 BST kick-off).

United are not planning to announce their travelling party until just before departure, but with a combination of under-21 and under-18 group players on a separate trip to Germany for a couple of games on Friday, there have been some clues about who might be included in Michael Carrick's squad.

This week, United posted a series of pictures from training - 25 players were shown, including four goalkeepers.

Given Tyler Fletcher has returned to training this week as well after Scotland's World Cup campaign and Karl Darlow has joined United's goalkeeping ranks, that takes it to 27, which feels about right for a first pre-season game that will almost certainly see Carrick use completely different XIs in each half.

Star attraction was £48m midfielder Andrey Santos, who completed his move from Chelsea on 13 July.

Among the younger players pictured were defender Harry Amass, midfielders Jacob Devaney, Dan Gore and Toby Collyer, and striker Ethan Wheatley. They all spent at least part of last season away from Old Trafford on loan.

Midfielder Jim Thwaites, defender Dan Armer and striker Chido Obi were also pictured. They were part of the United side that lost the FA Youth Cup final to Manchester City in May.

Interestingly, JJ Gabriel wasn't shown and the fact the 15-year-old returned to training at Carrington less than a week ago may signal he is not quite ready yet for his first exposure with the senior squad.

Defender Matthijs de Ligt and striker Benjamin Sesko were not shown training on the actual pitches.

De Ligt had back surgery in May after missing the second half of the season, while Sesko didn't play again after being replaced at half-time against Liverpool on 3 May with what Carrick described as a "shin issue".

The World Cup has done a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.

As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax and England supporters' disappointment sinks in, there is a Manchester United fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.

So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?

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Manchester United will target West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, 24, if Marcus Rashford leaves this summer, with the Netherlands attacker costing about £30m. (Guardian - subscription required), external

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Luke: I would love to see goalkeeper Orlando Gill and midfielder Matias Galarza from the Paraguayan squad at Manchester United. Both showed a lot of fight and steel with some real quality - and neither looked like they have ego problems either.

Rich: From seeing Germany play, I think Nathaniel Brown would be a key signing for Manchester United this summer. He is class in attack with great crosses but also tracks back well and makes tackles. An ideal left-back.

Lisa: I would like to see us sign South African centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He was all-action and built like a tank. I would 100% take a chance on him - young, fast, hard-working and fearless.

Shane: I would like to see Richard Rios at Old Trafford. I think he has the quality in midfield to bring us back into trophy contention and I also think he would only cost around £35m to £40m.

Francis: Lionel Mpasi, the DR Congo goalkeeper, has got great instincts. He is for sure a great goalkeeper worthy of being at one of the big teams in Europe. Manchester United need to look into him as a replacement for Altay Bayindir.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United have confirmed Manuel Ugarte's knee surgery has been a success.

Ugarte suffered cruciate ligament damage during Uruguay's World Cup defeat by Spain last month.

The 25-year-old is expected to be sidelined into 2027.

"Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has undergone successful surgery to address a knee ligament injury," said the club.

"Ugarte will now begin the rehabilitation stage of his recovery and will be carefully managed by the club's medical and performance staff."

It had been anticipated Ugarte, who joined United from Paris St-Germain in a £50.8m deal in 2024, would move on this summer as the Old Trafford outfit reshape their midfield.

That will not happen as instead he tries to recover from what he has said is "the most serious injury a footballer can face".

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Youri Tielemans' arrival at Old Trafford has been a bit of a slow burner - and another example of Manchester United's increased use of data around transfers.

Tielemans could have joined United when he left Monaco in 2019. He could also have moved when his contract ran out at Leicester City in 2023. On both occasions, United backed away - this time, they have not.

United repeatedly stressed they were prioritising the midfield areas this summer. It was also obvious they had multiple targets.

When Mateus Fernandes' planned move from West Ham fell through, Old Trafford officials continued to insist they were relaxed about the situation, even as fans started pressing the panic button.

The make-up of their midfield has always been seen as fluid.

Had Elliot Anderson come in, funds for additional players would have been stretched. That was also why United would not keep increasing their bid for Fernandes. They were determined to remain disciplined in their approach to the market and felt enough alternatives had been identified to fit their template not to stress.

Instead of Fernandes' youth, they have Andrey Santos. Instead of Ederson's experience, they have Tielemans'.

It is possible he is slightly older than the initial targets but that minus is made up for by the significant pluses of Premier League experience and, if his signing announcement statement is to be taken at face value, a desire to play for Manchester United. These have both been viewed as key components for any signing, beyond the actual ability.

It has been a busy couple of days in terms of transfer announcements at Old Trafford. The key element is what happens now.

Tielemans is more of a number eight, someone to compete with Kobbie Mainoo. Santos is a six. At least one more midfielder is expected, a player with experience, capable of having an impact in the Champions League and who is likely to occupy a deeper role.

Read more about Tielemans' arrival at United here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury whilst at the World Cup with Uruguay and there have been several questions submitted via our Manchester United Ask Me Anything form about whether the Old Trafford club will be compensated for it.

The short answer is yes. The detail is more complicated.

The money doesn't come from Uruguay, it comes from Fifa's insurers. The actual detail states: "Players can receive up to $7.5m (£5.6m) per accident, paid daily for a maximum of 365 days after the first 28 days of absence. Payments are calculated on the player's fixed salary only, excluding bonuses or other variable pay."

It is not completely clear what Ugarte's salary is because most Premier League players will have bonuses and image rights included as part of their contract.

If he hits the threshold, though, it means United would get about £13,500 per day from 28 days after Ugarte's absence, which is also variable, depending on whether it starts when the injury happened – or when it was diagnosed.

Then there is the point at which Ugarte's absence ends. Is that when he plays again or when he can take part in team training and, in theory, be available for team selection?

If, for instance, the 28 days starts when Ugarte was injured, the compensation will start on 26 July. If he was out for a total of nine months, that would mean 244 days' worth of compensation - so £3.29m.

In short, United will be compensated, although I think they would have preferred the injury hadn't happened.

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