Manchester United are set to return to their Carrington training ground soon, with their first pre-season friendly scheduled to take place in just 19 days.
This comes after a delay from Ineos in informing manager Erik ten Hag of his continuation in the role, following an extended end-of-season review that took nearly three weeks.
This delay likely means that Ten Hag is now catching up on preparations for the upcoming season. His focus will be on securing new signings, specifically targeting a central defender, midfielder, and striker.
Due to Manchester United’s cautious approach to spending within Premier League limits, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team are expected to enforce strict sales this summer. This strategic move is intended to balance the books while still strengthening the squad.
In other news, United is preparing for the potential return of Mason Greenwood to the team for pre-season if a transfer is not finalized within the next two weeks.
The Mirror reports that although Greenwood is valued at £40 million, no such offers have materialized. Lazio has reportedly made a £30 million bid. Greenwood has not played for United since January 2022, following his arrest on charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
These charges were dropped in February 2023, and Greenwood has consistently denied the allegations.
The Manchester Evening News has reported that Juventus and Napoli have shown interest in Greenwood, who spent the season on loan at Getafe. The Spanish club has expressed a desire to retain him for the next season.
Greenwood has one year remaining on his contract with United, and Borussia Dortmund is also reportedly interested in the 22-year-old.
Meanwhile, Manchester United has been linked to Manuel Ugarte, a Paris Saint-Germain midfielder who is currently with the Uruguay national team at the Copa America.
His agent, Jorge Chijane, previously mentioned potential interest from Liverpool but expressed uncertainty about the specifics last month. In an interview with O Jogo, Chijane discussed the possibility of a summer departure for Ugarte, stating, “Liverpool? There’s a lot of talk, but there are other clubs as well.
While much is discussed, I’m unsure about the club. Several opportunities are on the table. It’s almost certain he will leave; I think the matter will be resolved soon.”
As Manchester United gears up for the new season, the focus will be on finalizing their squad. The integration of new players and the potential return of Greenwood will be crucial as they aim to build a competitive team. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the roster and setting the stage for the season ahead.
