Manchester United aren't back in action until April 13, when they face Leeds at Old Trafford in a Monday night Premier League clash
Manchester United's Casemiro reacts to the rain during the pre-match warm-up before the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Casemiro has reached an agreement with Manchester United(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Manchester United will utilise this month's international break to bring some of their fringe players into the fold as main stars head off to represent their country. A total of 18 players are off on duty with Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and on-loan Marcus Rashford representing England.
Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro are also away representing their nations with friendlies on the horizon. As a result, the unselected stars will continue their work at Carrington to prepare for Leeds United in April.
The Red Devils will not be back in action until April 13, with the weekend of April 4 and 5 being reserved for FA Cup action. Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have both withdrawn from international duty to recover from minor fitness issues.
Casemiro agreement reached
Casemiro will be able to enjoy every last game with United this season after the club and player agreed to rip up a clause in his contract. The Brazil international announced his exit from Old Trafford in January, with his time coming to an end at the season's conclusion.
However, it's understood that there was a point in his contract that would have led to a 12-month extension. This clause would be triggered if he started 35 Premier League games during the final year of his deal.
Manchester United's Casemiro celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on March 15, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Casemiro will be able to play as much as he wants for United(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Currently on 29, it's a number Casemiro would have likely reached. But now that United have reached an agreement with the midfielder to waive the clause, he can enjoy the final few weeks of his time at Old Trafford without a one-year extension being triggered.
United to break 24-year tradition
With the World Cup on the horizon, United are planning their pre-season activities with players' well-being in mind. As a result, the club looks set to break a 24-year tradition and not travel to another continent on its warm-up tour ahead of the 2026/27 season.
With the major tournament taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, many of United's main stars will be enduring long-haul trips to represent their nations.
Diogo Dalot of Manchester United arrives ahead of a first team training session as part of their pre-season tour of the USA at Endeavor Health Performance Center on July 24, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
United have historically travelled far for their pre-season tours(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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United have been travelling outside of the continent for pre-season training for years due to the club's global commercial reach. In fact, the only time since 2002 that United have stayed in Europe was during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
Therefore, 2026 will be the first time in 24 years that the Red Devils will break tradition and remain in Europe for pre-season. Talks are currently ongoing to secure a pre-season schedule in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe.
In the past, United have used the first week of July to begin their training at Carrington. However, the World Cup will run from June 11 until July 19, so the hierarchy will have to plan the tour accordingly.