As the Premier League season edges closer, the focus at Manchester United has sharply turned towards Sunday’s high-profile opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils finished their pre-season with a confident penalty shootout win over Fiorentina last Saturday, a thrilling conclusion to a campaign that saw plenty of fresh faces and promising performances.
Clinching the Snapdragon Cup in front of the home crowd has injected some much-needed optimism among the supporters, as Ruben Amorim now begins to finalise his squad and tactics for the new season.
Every training session at Carrington counts as the countdown to kick-off continues.
One of the notable highlights from Sunday’s session was the return of two key squad members, goalkeeper Andre Onana and striker Joshua Zirkzee, who rejoined the main group after extended absences through injury, as revealed by Manchester United via the official website.
Joshua Zirkzee experienced a minor setback last month but looks to now have recovered and returned to training with the squad.
Neither player featured during the entire pre-season, although both travelled with the team to the United States and focused on their rehabilitation programmes with an eye on being available as soon as possible.
Their return to first-team training is a significant boost for Amorim, who will need every option on the pitch as United face a demanding fixture list ahead.
Meanwhile, new signing Benjamin Sesko was also present, enjoying his first training session with the squad since completing his move from RB Leipzig.
The Slovenian forward was introduced to the fans before the Fiorentina game, alongside fellow newcomers Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and Bryan Mbeumo.
Sesko is expected to be in contention to make his competitive debut against Arsenal, adding fresh attacking options to the squad.
With key players returning to full training and promising newcomers integrating smoothly, Manchester United’s preparations are gathering pace.
Ruben Amorim faces crucial decisions as he selects his starting XI for the season opener, but the sight of Onana and Joshua Zirkzee back in the fold will no doubt lift spirits around Old Trafford.
The stage is set for an intense Premier League battle to begin.
