Manchester United’s new goalkeeper Andre Onana put his gloves on for the first time after joining the squad for their pre-season tour to America. He has been training with the squad since his move from Inter Milan for a fee in excess of PS43 million.
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag has given Bruno Fernandes the captaincy, replacing Harry Maguire.
1. Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo is an exciting young midfielder who has impressed this preseason. The 17-year-old has made his way through the ranks at Manchester United and is set to be a regular in their Under-21 side. The midfielder began his career at local junior club Cheadle & Gatley and has progressed through the academy levels. He has represented England at various youth levels and was part of the squad that won the FA Youth Cup last year.
He also featured in the Under-21s’ Papa John’s Trophy draw against Fleetwood Town and is a regular in their first-team training sessions. He recently signed his first professional contract and is firmly in the sights of manager Erik ten Hag. The former Borussia Dortmund boss is trying to address a serious injury crisis in his midfield and Mainoo could feature at some point over the coming months.
Manchester united news is a good passer of the ball and can play in several positions. He can cover a lot of ground and keep possession going in central areas of the pitch, while also combining well with other players in a more advanced role. The youngster is a confident player, which will help him deal with the pressure of playing for the senior team.
In his short time with the senior squad, he has already earned plaudits from many observers. He was praised for his performance in the 1-0 friendly win over Lyon and was tipped as a potential breakthrough player. He kept the likes of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz quiet throughout the game.
It looks like he will remain at Old Trafford this season as Mainoo has been named in the squad for their tour of America. The club are not planning on sending the teenager out on loan this season and Erik ten Hag is eager to see him develop into a first-team regular.
The midfielder has shown in recent weeks that he is ready to make the step up and he can definitely become a fixture in the first-team over the next few years. He will have to improve his defensive work in the first-team, but he has the ability to thrive at the Theatre of Dreams.
2. Andre Onana
Andre Onana is a Cameroonian goalkeeper who plays for Manchester United. He has won several domestic and international honours during his career, including three Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup. He has also made 34 appearances for the Cameroon national team. In his early years, he played for the FC Barcelona youth system. He was part of their La Masia youth academy before signing for Ajax in 2015.
In 2022, Onana moved to Inter Milan. He won a Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana title in his sole season with the club, while also reaching the Champions League final. After that, he returned to Ajax, where he was the club’s starting goalkeeper. He was named the Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2024.
Onana is a hugely impressive prospect, and the move to make him the new number one at Manchester United is a clear statement of intent from Erik ten Hag. He will be backed up by a strong goalkeeping corps, with Chris Smalling, Tom Heaton and Victor Valdes all still at the club.
It will be interesting to see how the competition for the No 1 jersey develops during this season and next. It may not look like it at present, but a healthy rivalry between Onana and Valdes will only make the position stronger.
The Red Devils are continuing to add to their attacking options with the addition of Jesse Lingard this summer. They also have a host of players who could play at centre back, including Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Ander Herrera. And it is likely that a deal will be done for Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy, who would bring added depth to the defence.
Manchester United have yet to sign a striker this summer, but that could change as the transfer window closes. Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to sign Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, and the club will likely submit their opening bid this week. The Red Devils are unlikely to offer more than £60 million for the forward, however.
3. Mason Mount
Man United have been enjoying a warm welcome in America ahead of their season-opening Premier League clash with Wrexham on August 14. Erik ten Hag has had the chance to survey his new squad, with summer signings such as Mason Mount and Jadon Sancho making impressive impressions so far.
The young England midfielder was a standout during the club’s 2-0 friendly win over Arsenal in New Jersey. Despite being short on game time for the first half, the 21-year-old looked comfortable in his surroundings and his link-up play with Jadon Sancho was particularly impressive.
As a player Mount is all about movement. Whether it’s driving forward to attack or dropping deep to shield the ball, he has the ability to play in a variety of roles. At its best, this movement is matched by a sizeable return of goals and assists. Across the three seasons prior to his last one at Chelsea, Mount averaged a combined non-penalty expected goals and assist total of 0.54 per 90 minutes.
That output is something that will appeal to the Old Trafford coaching staff. Whether he starts at No 10, a role occupied by Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho this term, or as a replacement for either of them, Mount will add an extra dimension to the team’s attacking play.
He’s seen as a modern midfielder capable of carrying out specific tactical instructions and leading the press. Ten Hag will be hoping Mount can rebalance the attack and provide energy in midfield, while also stepping up to score the goals the team needs.
The Red Devils will be hoping Mount can kickstart his career after a difficult time at Chelsea. The 21-year-old made just three appearances for the club in 2021-22, and was a regular only until about February when the club’s managerial changes saw him slip out of the side. It’s a chance for him to prove that he can fit back into the fold at the club he called home for a decade. He’s certainly earned that opportunity.
4. Alex Telles
Telles was one of the best left-backs in the Primeira Liga during his time with Porto. The Brazilian then moved to Sevilla where he’s established himself as an important member of the team. Telles made 45 appearances last season and will hope to be a regular part of the starting XI this year.
He was forced off during the Europa League final win over Roma with an undisclosed injury but is expected to feature in Sunday’s season finale against Real Sociedad. Telles has been in good form lately and has 19 clearances, 18 tackles won and 15 interceptions this term.
Telles is a menace from the left side of the pitch by launching crosses into the middle of the field. In his most recent outing he provided an assist, sent in three off-target shots and created two chances as he played 95 minutes of Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat against Dortmund.
Erik ten Hag has been giving Telles plenty of opportunities to play in front of the United fans in New Jersey and it’s clear that they appreciate his attacking flair. He could be set to take the armband for the visit of Wrexham on Wednesday night.
Manchester United will wear a special kit for their match against Wrexham in San Diego on Wednesday evening and the club has released images of the 2023 home shirt. United will be wearing their adidas third kit, which features vertical stripes, for the first time in a game outside of England since they donned them for the FA Cup final against Arsenal in May 2022.
The Reds’ US-based supporters are incredibly loyal to their club and they’ve been turning out in huge numbers to watch them train this week at the Pingry School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. They’ll be hoping that a bright start to the pre-season can lead to a return to trophy glory in 2023.
It hasn’t been a great few years for the United faithful, but there are signs that the club is turning around under Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman has signed some exciting players and fans will be hopeful that he can bring back the old magic.
Conclusion
As of my last update in September 2021, for the latest Manchester United news, I recommend checking reputable sports news websites and official club sources. With the dynamic nature of football and club developments, up-to-date information is essential to stay informed about Manchester United’s latest matches, transfers, and managerial changes.
FAQs:
- Are there any recent transfer rumors involving Manchester United? As my information is outdated, I suggest checking recent sports news websites for the latest transfer rumors and updates regarding Manchester United’s potential signings or departures.
- How is Manchester United performing in their current season? For the latest updates on Manchester United’s performance, standings, and results in the current season, I recommend visiting reliable sports news outlets, the official club website, or checking the league’s official website for up-to-date information.
