Analysis of Manchester United's pre season

Two wins, a win on penalties, a draw and two defeats

It's been an interesting pre-season for Manchester United, does any of it mean anything though?

Author | Olivia T

Players celebrate v Leeds United

There are plenty of positives for Michael Carrick to take from a five-week, six-game pre-season.

For starters, there is considerable potential in Andrey Santos. One of three players, alongside Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, to start every game, the 22-year-old’s £48m summer move from Chelsea has already begun to look intriguing. His ability to circulate possession, positional discipline and communication have all stood out.

READ MORE | Santos believes he's the man to replace Casemiro at Old Trafford

Like Carrick himself, Youri Tielemans carries an air of assurance that should gradually spread through the side. There are already encouraging signs that his understanding with captain Bruno Fernandes could become an important feature of United’s play.

Bryan Mbeumo has also looked more like the energetic and influential player who impressed during the first half of last season, rather than the fatigued version who returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Heaven has impressed defensively, while Leny Yoro has also looked comfortable, particularly when used at right-back. Amad Diallo has produced some encouraging moments since returning from World Cup duty, while the same can be said of Shea Lacey. The 19-year-old academy graduate clearly needs to be introduced gradually, but expectations around him are already high.

A solid draw and performance against the European champions. There's plenty to be optimistic about after that. viewfromkstand.blogspot.com/2026/08/unit...

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— The View From K Stand (@theviewfromkstand.bsky.social) 9 August 2026 at 08:26

There are, however, issues that need addressing.

Neither Benjamin Sesko nor new goalkeeper Karl Darlow featured, while Mason Mount, arguably United’s outstanding player across the opening three games, has not played since being withdrawn as a precaution after taking a blow to his foot against Paris St-Germain on 8 August.

There are also members of Carrick’s squad who appear to be surplus to requirements.

Toby Collyer stepped in for Mount, but his future appears to lie elsewhere and there is a feeling within the club that interest in the midfielder should be strong.

Harry Amass provided cover for Luke Shaw, but the intention is also for him to leave, with a loan move considered more likely than a permanent departure.

View from the stands at United v Leeds

Among the more experienced players in Carrick’s squad, Joshua Zirkzee remains hugely popular and there is no question he possesses ability. The problem is consistency, coupled with a lack of an obvious position within the side. Lacey was even preferred to him in the number 10 role at times.

If interest from Italy develops into a financially attractive proposition, a return to Serie A could make sense for the former Bologna forward.