Scorching temperatures and bright sunshine were the order of the day as Manchester United's senior players returned for the start of pre-season training.
None of United's World Cup contingent were involved, including Tyler Fletcher, who earned a surprise call-up to the Scotland squad after making his international debut against Bolivia in a pre-tournament friendly but didn't play a minute in the tournament itself.
However, nine experienced players were pictured at Carrington, including forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, plus Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, who all missed out on England selection.
Midfielder Toby Collyer and full-back Harry Amass, who both spent last season out on loan, were pictured, plus 19-year-old Shea Lacey, who is set to be part of Michael Carrick's first-team squad this season.
Dale: My concern is that if he is any good, why would Chelsea sell him - and, secondly, sell him to a rival?
Fred: Not what anyone was calling for. He is a player supposedly with Premier League experience, but he has clearly had very little of it. I hope we don't leave our midfield overhaul at this and sign a world-class one to bolster the starting XI.
Mark: It could be the unexpected signing that works. Not the sexy name or player who yourselves and other media outlets had been briefed on, and Chelsea have made a profit. Not seen much of him as I rarely watch other Premier League teams unless they play United. Unfortunately, he was sacrificed at Old Trafford last season after the Roberto Sanchez sending-off and got injured in first 20 minutes at Stamford Bridge. Therefore, I can't judge him till he has played several games in a United shirt.
Mike: Santos is a sensible move for the longer term and financially. He is still young enough to show a lot of development potential, which will add financial value to a future sale. I know a lot of fans are wanting a proven big name, which comes at a higher price and higher wages... I feel this move makes more sense.
Matt: Two very underwhelming signings to replace Casemiro so far. We need a midfielder with more experience and know-how rather than unproven players with 'potential'.
Arif: I am cautiously optimistic. He is a player with bags of potential, but will probably need someone more established to dampen the expectation on him that might ruin his fledgling career. I would still like us to sign a more established one, with preferably huge Premier League experience. Could be Tomas Soucek.
The Brazilian who ticks a lot of boxespublished at 10:41 BST
10:41 BST
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United officials reacted to missing out on Mateus Fernandes last week with a sense of calm, insisting players would be bought and expressing their faith in a recruitment team that delivered for them last summer.
Fans have been getting more edgy, though.
Andrey Santos wasn't a name many were talking about as they focused on Aurelien Tchouameni, currently part of France's World Cup squad, and others.
However, he ticks a lot of boxes that are important to United.
Twenty-eight Premier League appearances - including one during a loan spell at Nottingham Forest - means he knows the league. At 22, there is clear room for development and Santos should bring the energy United's midfield lacked during Casemiro's final few seasons.
Had he gone elsewhere in the summer and done well, his transfer value would have shot up.
The concern for some supporters will be that Chelsea were happy to sell before a campaign when they have no Europe and new boss Xabi Alonso is shaping a new midfield around Moises Caicedo - and possibly Enzo Fernandez.
The big question is: what happens now? With Ederson and Santos deals agreed, United have gone some way to addressing their midfield issues.
But is there one more new face to come? And if so, who will it be?
Is Santos the right signing?published at 18:20 BST 8 July
18:20 BST 8 July
Manchester United are closing in on a deal for 22-year-old Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. Is this wise move and will the Brazilian improve Michael Carrick's midfield?
Man Utd to sign Chelsea's Santospublished at 18:17 BST 8 July
18:17 BST 8 July
Manchester United have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for their Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos.
The deal has progressed quickly in the past few hours after United made their initial interest known over the weekend.
United will pay an initial £48m for Santos, with an additional £2m in what are described as 'achievable' add-ons. Chelsea have also negotiated a 10% sell-on clause.
Santos has been cleared for a medical, with fellow countryman Ederson also scheduled to have one before completing his £35m move from Italian side Atalanta following Brazil's elimination from the World Cup.
The news comes as United's senior players prepare to return for pre-season training on Thursday and goes part way to addressing what was becoming a major issue.
United prioritised central midfield this summer following the exit of Casemiro when the veteran former Real Madrid man's contract came to an end. Manuel Ugarte was set to be sold but the Uruguay international has been ruled out for an extended period with cruciate knee ligament damage.
Lawrence to continue as Man Utd U21s chiefpublished at 16:32 BST 8 July
16:32 BST 8 July
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Adam Lawrence is expected to continue as Manchester United's Under-21 boss this season.
Lawrence quit as United's Under-18 boss at the end of the 2024-25 campaign and eventually took up a role at Newcastle in charge of their Under-21 side.
However, he lasted just three months before he quit, returning to United a matter of weeks later when Under-21 coach Travis Binnion was called up to the first-team coaching team in the wake of Ruben Amorim's dismissal.
After initially assisting interim boss Darren Fletcher, Binnion remained in place when Michael Carrick got the job and will stay as part of his coaching team for the forthcoming Premier League campaign.
Talks have been continuing with Lawrence, who is well regarded at United, and while there has been no official announcement on his future yet, he returned to Carrington this week and has been planning for the new PL2 season.
Last term he led under-21 side to the PL2 play-off final where they were beaten by Brighton.
Carrick and Rooney among 15 new Man Utd scholarspublished at 10:40 BST 8 July
10:40 BST 8 July
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Manchester United have confirmed Jacey Carrick and Kai Rooney are among 15 youngsters who have signed first-year scholarship contracts with the club.
The duo posted pictures on social media over the weekend of them together as young boys when their dads were United players.
Rooney was pictured with father Wayne, United's record goalscorer, at a ceremony at Old Trafford to mark the occasion. Newly installed United head coach Michael Carrick was also present.
Carrick was pictured with another of the new intake, Gazik Ibragimov, brother of Amir, who started last season's FA Youth Cup final defeat by Manchester City and then went on to make his senior debut for Russia at the end of last season.
In addition, Edson deJonge-Seiros extends a proud tradition of the Fletcher Moss club in Didsbury getting players with a connection to them into United's academy, following the likes of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford.
Former United and England defender Wes Brown spoke at the event, which is the first since Stephen Torpey became academy director.
"I feel privileged to carry the baton forward as the next custodian of this football club's great academy," said Torpey.
All 15 are part of a Professional Development Phase squad trip to Germany.
United's academy is a source of huge pride for the club. A 'homegrown' player has been in every matchday squad since October 1937.
Twelve former United academy players were picked for a total of eight countries at this summer's World Cup.
Full list: Jaume Camacho Sidos (midfielder), Jacey Carrick (midfielder), Edson de Jonge-Seiros (forward), Harley Emsden-James (defender), Idris Fabiyi (defender), Jake Ford (goalkeeper), Gazimagamed Ibragimov (defender), Connor Laurie (defender), Harlem McLaughlin (midfielder), Camron Mpofu (forward), Jodie Nganga (midfielder), Samuel O'Brien (defender), Kai Rooney (forward), Pharell Silvester (midfielder), Emmanuel Ziro (midfielder).
Carrick believes Man Utd ready to kick onpublished at 16:22 BST 7 July
16:22 BST 7 July
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Michael Carrick's message to Manchester United's fans in the club's Yearbook was written well in advance of a first phase of his squad's return to training on Thursday.
It means the comments are general, not specific and do not reference the ongoing search for midfielders that has vexed many fans after United missed out on England's Elliot Anderson, who joined Manchester City for £116m and Mateus Fernandes, who opted to leave West Ham for Tottenham in an £85m deal.
Carrick is certainly talking a good game.
After steering United to third in the Premier League and a return to the Champions League after replacing Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January, Carrick is demanding further improvement.
"I know it can't always be plain sailing, because the standards are so high," he explains. "(But) we know we need to keep improving.
"We have a huge responsibility here to win and play exciting football. That never changes, and we should always be striving to compete for the biggest trophies.
"There are steps to take but we are in a good place to take them.
"We've got a fantastic group of players, and we believe they have the required standards of talent, commitment and determination to be successful here. They love being at the club and we can see how badly they want it; that gives us the confidence to know we're really building something and moving in the right direction."
Some would argue United need more of those players given the increased demands of Europe and the domestic cups, where they failed badly last season.
Bournemouth's Alex Scott remains a prime target, while United have most recently been linked with Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, another Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams and Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund. Last summer they were keen on Brighton's Carlos Baleba.
Man Utd's U-21s make Carrington switchpublished at 15:14 BST 7 July
15:14 BST 7 July
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Manchester United Women have had their own building at Carrington since 2023
Manchester United Women's Under-21 side will train at Carrington this season in what club officials believe is a landmark move that shows the commitment of the club to youth development.
While United's senior squad moved back into their bespoke £7m facility at Carrington following the completion of a wider £50m upgrade in August 2025 that temporarily saw them moved into portable buildings, the Under-21 group have trained at Leigh Sports Village, 15 miles away.
United finished last season in fourth place behind Arsenal in the Under-21 table but won the Professional Game Academy Plate by beating Durham in the final.
The club's commitment to the women's side has been questioned, particularly over a perceived lack of investment into Marc Skinner's senior squad.
However, they feel this move, which they say will allow for closer integration with the first-team and mean the players can use state of the art equipment, will have huge benefits.
"Embedding our Under21s squad at Carrington Training Complex is another significant milestone in the evolution of Manchester United Women," said director of women's football, Matt Johnson.
"Providing our players with an elite environment, surrounded by the highest standard of facilities and expertise, reflects our ambition and vision for the Academy and is a further sign of the importance that we are placing on our commitment to developing outstanding homegrown talent.
"The increased alignment with our first-team operations will optimise performance and serve as a significant source of motivation for our young players."
New episodes of Women's Football Weekly podcast drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed
'It's a joke' Mainoo has had no World Cup minutes published at 09:17 BST 7 July
09:17 BST 7 July
Image source, Getty Images
On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate, Joe McGrath and Gaz Drinkwater discuss Kobbie Mainoo's lack of minutes for England at the 2026 World Cup.
The 21-year-old is yet to feature for the Three Lions. He has not won a competitive cap since September 2024 but played in each of England's last four friendlies.
Gaz said: "It's a joke but we can't really complain when England are getting into the situation they are in.
"I thought there were times in the group stage when I much would have preferred Kobbie Mainoo to play.
"I think it's a joke that he's not been included at all in any minutes and at the minute I'm thinking the only way he's going to play a game of World Cup football is if England lose the semi-final and play in that stupid third place game, which is sad."
Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath hear from Amber Haque in Mexico City after England's epic win in the Azteca - is this the year a Manchester United player wins the World Cup?
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Sign Gueye as Casemiro's replacement? Free agents and who to avoidpublished at 15:23 BST 6 July
15:23 BST 6 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on which free agents Man Utd could target this summer and whether there is one player the Red Devils are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Michael: Idrissa Gueye from Everton would be a perfect fit. Free agent, central defensive midfielder that is very good defensively and can control play. He would be the perfect Casemiro replacement! I pray we don't sign Baleba who hasn't done much to impress me and costs £100m.
Tim: Given Ugarte's injury, surely Goretzka for free with a couple of other central midfield signings brings a bit of experience and squad depth.
Milton: United fans do not want Carlos Baleba.
Richard: We could do with a backup striker - I assume Vlahovic still thinks highly of himself so would ask for an outrageous salary but if not would he a good option. Other than that, no one really fits the bill. Nmecha seems like an obvious failed transfer for us. Over priced hyped player from Dortmund? When will we learn?
Adam: I don't think we need to sign Tchouameni, because I don't think he is that good, and there are also way more players in the world that can play a six. I would want Bouaddi though, a clever young midfielder.
Oliver: We could take Solly March if we need another more experienced midfielder in the team. Fabinho might not want to leave the Saudi league but if he does want to, it would be a good signing as he can also drop into a CB position, possibly towards the end of games.
Ste: There's no freebies that I would be looking at, we had the brains to go for quality Premier League players last year and the word quality is what needs to be involved with any incomings this year. Any two or three of the following would be nice - Tchouameni, Rodgers, Scott, Sarr, Summerville, Hall or Kounde.
Eric: In reality, we shouldn't be going anywhere near the free agent market. I'd take Stones but his injury record is woeful, as is Bissouma's, so in reality we should be prioritising a young central defensive midfielder in the mould of Casemiro as we now currently have only three fit midfielders in the squad. Tchouameni signing is what it would take to bring us back to title contention.
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 12:32 BST 6 July
12:32 BST 6 July
Image source, Getty Images
We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
Could Santos help solve Man Utd's midfield malaise?published at 08:47 BST 6 July
08:47 BST 6 July
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea's Andrey Santos is the latest player Manchester United have taken an interest in as they look to address their problem midfield position.
With Casemiro leaving after his contract expired on 30 June and Manuel Ugarte expected to be sold, United went into the summer with England's Kobbie Mainoo as their only recognised central midfielder and with the stated aim of addressing the situation as a matter of priority.
Since then, events have taken a turn.
Ugarte sustained what the 25-year-old described as "the most serious injury a footballer can face" on World Cup duty for Uruguay against Spain.
In the transfer market, United have encountered more issues.
On 25 June, Manchester City agreed a club record £116m deal with Nottingham Forest for England international Elliot Anderson. He had been United's number one midfield target.
Then, on 2 July, Tottenham paid a club record £85m for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes. United had pushed hard to sign the Portuguese and genuinely thought he was a player they could attain.
United have agreed a £35m deal with Serie A outfit Atalanta for Ederson but his late call-up to the Brazil squad means his medical will not happen until Carlo Ancelotti's side are out of the competition. As with all United's World Cup players, he will then get a minimum of three weeks off.
Had Liam Rosenior remained as Chelsea manager, Santos might not have been for sale. The 22-year-old featured for Rosenior at Strasbourg and made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season.
He fits the same kind of profile as Casemiro, albeit with vastly less experience. BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella reported on 3 July "a number of sides are understood to be interested in Santos" and that "those close to Santos seem open to the possibility of a move".
Rooney and Carrick get Man Utd scholarshipspublished at 08:02 BST 6 July
08:02 BST 6 July
Simon Stone Manchester United reporter
Image source, @jacey.carrick
Manchester United have included a couple of notable names among their first-year scholars.
Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick have joined the club on a permanent basis.
Both youngsters featured for United's Under-18 team last season even though they were only 16.
Now the pair – sons of United's record goalscorer Wayne and current head coach Michael – have taken the first steps towards the professional game.
Rooney and Carrick have both known each other since their dads' playing days and posted pictures on social media from the past as well as the present to celebrate their joint achievement.
Image source, Getty Images
