Forget the pain and frustrations of last season, the start of a new league year is time to be unashamedly positive about the campaign ahead.
July 2025 represents a fresh start for Manchester United to move forward, with the players set to return to pre-season on the 7th.
Let’s dig into all the reasons for United fans to feel optimistic heading into the upcoming month.
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during a training session
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The first pre-season under Ruben Amorim
Manchester United fought to get Ruben Amorim to begin his role in November 2024, following Erik ten Hag’s sacking, and to depart Sporting early.
This allowed Amorim a huge lead-in time to the 2025-26 season to get to know his squad’s strengths and weaknesses, the Premier League, and acclimatise to life in England.
The short-term return was unimpressive, but this was always about long-term build. Now after battling through the ‘storm’ he predicted, Amorim and United can now move forward.
Amorim now gets to take United on his first pre-season. This will allow focused opportunity to work on tactics, on personal relationships with players and staff, all through a fresh lens.
With the benefit of last season’s learnings behind him, Amorim can come in with a clear plan, avoiding the mistakes he has already made.
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Pre-season fixtures against problem opponents
Manchester United’s pre-season fixtures on the US tour are an uninspiring list of foes; Everton, West Ham and Bournemouth.
Yet these are the type of fixtures Ruben Amorim’s United have had some difficulty with. Gaining more experience against Premier League teams is going to be beneficial.
United also face Leeds in Scandinavia, giving Amorim a preview of the newly promoted Championship side too.
With no European football this season, United must get it right against Premier League teams. And a little practice will certainly be useful for when the actual season kicks off.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United is signing his contract after joining from Wolves.
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Matheus Cunha is already signed, with more to follow
Manchester United have set the tone for improvement with a confirmed transfer for Brazil international Matheus Cunha, a proven Premier League performer.
Cunha has crucially been signed in time for pre-season, and there will be more new faces to strengthen the team.
United are continuing to negotiate to sign Brentford’s 20-goal forward Bryan Mbeumo, and between him and Cunha, the team’s attack will have a totally new look.
There will be more to follow too. United need another centre-forward, and there could be additions in midfield and possibly at goalkeeper too.
Part of the excitement of July is also to expect the unpredictable. Last summer we saw the club swoop for Leny Yoro out of nowhere. While we think we can map out the club’s transfer window, there will always be a surprise or two along the way.
Diego Leon playing Copa Libertadores
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The next ‘Marcelo’ is set to arrive at United
On the topic of new faces, Manchester United will finally see the arrival of Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon, in a deal that was agreed back in December.
Leon recently turned 18 and will link up officially with Manchester United on July 1, to begin his career at the club.
The talented left-back has already played in the Copa Libertadores and has been likened in style to Brazilian modern great Marcelo.
United fans will get a first look at him, possibly in pre-season matches, and while it’s possible he will be sent out on loan, this month will be the start of his adventure.
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United celebrates at full time during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais
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Kobbie Mainoo will actually get a pre-season this year
Here’s to hoping Kobbie Mainoo can actually get a full pre-season for Manchester United this year for the first time.
Back in 2023, Mainoo started impressively and commanded attention, before an injury against Real Madrid that delayed his breakthrough.
2024 was very different. His exploits for England all the way to the Euro 2024 Final meant that he missed the entirety of pre-season, returning to play in the Community Shield with barely any training.
An injury-hit campaign followed, and when fit, Mainoo’s performances took a little step back. That’s just part of his development, and circumstances are set up in his favour this summer.
United need Mainoo at his best, and Ruben Amorim needs to work out the best way to use him. Pre-season will be vital for the midfielder’s tactical and fitness work.
Chido Obi celebrates scoring for Manchester United.
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Chido Obi can continue where he left off on tour
Amid the ongoing speculation over a new striker, Manchester United have one who is ready to make the leap this coming season.
Chido Obi joined from Arsenal last year but only linked up with the club last October. His first pre-season with the first team squad is coming.
Obi is already regarded as a first team player, making his debut in February under Amorim. He scored his first goals for the club on the postseason tour.
This was vital for the Danish teenager’s confidence, and he will be determined to pick up where he left off, and really stake a claim for himself.
The watch for the next academy breakout star
Part of the intrigue of pre-season is the opportunities youngsters may receive on the pre-season tour, that could lead to competitive first team chances.
The star of 2024 was Harry Amass, who went onto make his debut in 2025 and even feature in the Europa League knockout stages. He will be keen to show his continued improvement this time around.
There are names to keep a close eye on this summer too. Jaydan Kamason, Jack Moorhouse, Godwill Kukonki and Shea Lacey all have a real chance.
United’s talent depth is so rich at academy level that there will be multiple other young players looking to make an impact too.
A word of warning, however. Expectations should be tempered due to there being no international tournament this year.
The late arrivals back for pre-season last year meant that there were an unusually high number of academy players taken on tour. The competition simply to get onto the plane to the US will be fierce.
A first proper pre-season for United’s seven signings in 2024/25
Manchester United signed five players last summer. Only one was signed in time and available to go on tour last summer. That was Leny Yoro and he suffered an injury minutes into his first game in the US.
This summer Yoro, Zirkzee, De Ligt, Mazraoui and Ugarte should all get a full pre-season, and they will be better prepared for the upcoming year ahead.
Add in the two January arrivals, Dorgu and Heaven, and this summer’s pre-season tour will have a totally new look.
For every player concerned, a proper pre-season will be crucial to help them settle, and lay down the groundwork for the year ahead. And that can only be good for the team’s chances in 2025/26.
The Manchester United clearout is coming
We all know there are players in the Manchester United squad who simply should not be here when the transfer window closes. Expect the clearout to start taking shape this month.
United need to be ruthless and start shifting players out. Further incoming deals may depend on it.
Getting rid of players who no longer want to be at Manchester United can boost the squad’s morale. Call it ‘addition by subtraction’.
Amad running towards camera for Manchester United.
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United fans get to see Amad in action again
Manchester United have been home to a few special footballers through the years, and Amad is arguably the most exciting player in the current squad.
Last season he proved to be a real difference maker, scoring his first ever hat-trick, and lighting up almost every game he appeared in.
Amad kicked off his impressive season with his performances in pre-season 2024, and we hope for more of the same this time around.
There is something ‘pure’ about watching Amad play, and it will be a joy to see him in action once again.
His 2024/25 season was curtailed by injury. While he came back for the final in Bilbao, it’s been a long time since United fans got to see Amad play football on a regular basis.
It’s almost time to see him back on the pitch once again, and that’s always something to look forward to.