A week in advance of our season opener, and over a week on from our last pre-season fixture against Brentford, United are back in action against Everton tomorrow lunchtime for their final preparations prior to the campaign commencing. The scheduled encounter with Preston sandwiched between the Brentford and Everton clashes was unfortunately cancelled due to a Covid-19 scare within the first team group, though no positive PCR tests were recorded - so the reds instead embarked on a brief training camp in St Andrews as some form of compensation. Back at Old Trafford once again tomorrow, Ole’s side will be hoping to show that their preparations haven’t been too greatly hindered.
Many players were back in training this week, following the likes of Diogo Dalot and Donny van de Beek’s return to the fold in the draw against Brentford. David de Gea, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof returned from the off at this week’s Scottish camp, joining long-term absentee Phil Jones in rejoining the squad. Luke Shaw participated in the first training session of the camp with minimal signs of limitation from his alleged broken ribs, with Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial also back within the group. Midfield duo Fred and Paul Pogba were the latest to be photographed being put through their paces. Bruno Fernandes, who was in the stands for the Brentford match around ten days ago, will be hoping for his first minutes since the Euros.
Dean Henderson wasn’t with the group over the course of the week, struggling with the after-effects of a positive Coronavirus test around three weeks ago (adding to the woes of his persistent hip issue). Anthony Elanga was also absent due to a minor injury, with Marcus Rashford out preparing for a few months sidelined after deciding to go ahead with his shoulder surgery. Alex Telles is still relatively far from return - not expected back until September due to his ankle injury sustained in Surrey. Edinson Cavani and new-boy Jadon Sancho are due to begin training early next week, whilst Raphael Varane is unlikely to complete his medical until Wednesday due to quarantine restrictions - it will be a race for them to be in contention for the Leeds match in a week’s time. Elsewhere, Facundo Pellistri is set to split from the group after agreeing another loan move with Alaves for the upcoming season. Eric Bailly and Amad could return to Manchester soon after exiting the Olympics to eventual winners Spain at the quarter-final stage - with the competition essentially acting as their pre-season.
Everton have returned from a trip Stateside ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, overcoming Millonarios on penalties and subsequently beating Pumas in regulation time across the pond. Contrary to United, it hasn't been the most productive summer on the incomings front for The Toffees: Asmir Begovic and Andros Townsend have been brought in for free, whilst Demarai Gray was acquired for a rather miniscule fee. The most significant alteration has been on the managerial front, with ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez controversially returning to Merseyside to replace Madrid-bound Carlo Ancelotti.
Stepping up from facing back-to-back Championship opposition with a depleted squad early in pre-season, consecutive preparatory tests against Premier League opposition prior to the start of the season should stand us in good stead for the early phases of the campaign.
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