De light done deal,latest signings to make their debut”, Manchester United XI to face Rangers As Ten Hag men set for their second pre season game
Manchester United’s preseason campaign began on a disappointing note as a young and depleted senior squad fell 0-1 to Rosenborg in Norway. This loss, however, can be attributed to the makeshift nature of the team, with only five first-team players—Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Jonny Evans—participating. Among them, Marcus Rashford is the sole consistent starter, explaining the team’s disjointed performance. In contrast, Rosenborg is currently in the middle of their league season and therefore match fit.
As the preseason progresses, more of Manchester United’s regular players are expected to return from their extended breaks following international commitments. This should boost the squad’s strength for their next fixture against Rangers on July 20. Here are five players anticipated to make a return for this match in Scotland:
### Scott McTominay
McTominay is set to rejoin the squad on July 17, providing him with two days of training before the game against Rangers. His early return is due to Scotland’s early exit from the Euros in the group stages, allowing him to end his holiday sooner than others whose teams advanced further. Playing in his home country, McTominay will be motivated to impress, especially with the club seeking midfield reinforcements during the transfer window. This presents an opportunity for him to reestablish his value to the team.
### Harry Maguire
Maguire, like McTominay, is in a position where he needs to prove himself once again. Both players were nearly sold to West Ham United last season but managed to make significant comebacks, underlining their importance to the squad. Maguire has been working hard to recover from an injury that kept him out of the Euros. His dedication has paid off, and he appears ready to participate in the game against Rangers after undergoing rigorous fitness sessions at Carrington. The plan is for him to play around 45 minutes as he gradually returns to full fitness.
### Jadon Sancho
Sancho’s return is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated, making the match against Rangers a must-watch event. United’s decision to retain Sancho has been controversial among fans, but with no suitable offers from other clubs, the decision to keep him was financially prudent. Both Sancho and the club have shown professionalism in moving past the transfer saga, and his reintegration into the squad is expected to begin in the upcoming game. Sancho has been on an individual fitness program, and how Erik ten Hag deploys him could provide clues about the club’s transfer strategy, especially considering his use as a False 9 in last year’s preseason.
### Andre Onana
Onana’s absence from the Rosenborg match was unexpected as he was part of the individual fitness group alongside Sancho. In his place, Radek Vitek delivered an impressive goalkeeping performance, minimizing the damage in Norway. Nevertheless, Onana remains the first-choice goalkeeper, and he is likely to play 45 minutes against Rangers, with Vitek covering the other half. Observing Onana under the new goalkeeping coach, Jelle ten Rouwelaar, will be intriguing, particularly any potential changes in his playing style.
### Antony
The final spot is a toss-up between Antony and Amad, both of whom missed the Rosenborg game to focus on their fitness. It is plausible that both will return and share playing time, each getting 45 minutes. The right-wing position is expected to see fierce competition between these two this season. Antony seems to have the upper hand as the preferred choice, especially with everyone starting with a clean slate. This scenario would mark the end of the youthful experiment on the wings, where Ethan Williams and Ethan Ennis featured against Rosenborg. With Sancho also back in the mix, there will be little room for youth prospects in the wide positions.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s preseason is set to improve with the return of key players. As the squad strengthens, fans can look forward to better performances and valuable insights into the team’s strategy for the upcoming season.