Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Michael Carrick has been given the boost of having more Manchester United star players available for pre-season training this week as four first-team regulars return for preparations ahead of the new season.
Although Belgium duo Senne Lammens and Youri Tielemans linked up with the rest of Manchester United’s first-team at the back end of last week, neither player travelled to Stockholm for the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
This week, Portugal pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, Brazil’s Matheus Cunha and Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui all returned.
All of these additions to the pre-season squad present multiple position battles, which may present Michael Carrick with a selection headache or two. Here are three…
Noussair Mazraoui and Matheus Cunha at Carrington
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro at right back
The additions of Dalot and Mazraoui are welcome because Leny Yoro has been asked to play out of position for the entirety of pre-season. In doing so, the 20-year-old French defender has proven more than capable of fulfilling a role on the right flank, but it will come as a relief to see two players return who are familiar in the position.
Dalot is United’s primary right back, and Mazraoui is a reliable backup option who, like his Portuguese teammate, can play multiple roles across the back four.
Yoro isn’t too dissimilar. Carrick will be thankful for the depth these players will provide throughout the season.
Youri Tielemans vs Andrey Santos & Mason Mount in midfield
United fans have yet to see Tielemans in action since joining in a £35m transfer from Aston Villa.
That hasn’t stopped Santos from settling quickly and Mason Mount from becoming his biggest beneficiary.
Now that Tielemans is available and expected to play in the final three pre-season matches, Carrick can trial different combinations in midfield ahead of Kobbie Mainoo’s return.
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Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left wing
Patrick Dorgu has been United’s primary option on the left flank this summer. That changes for the final pre-season friendlies because of Cunha’s return.
Moreover, the ‘homecoming’ of Marcus Rashford in the coming weeks will give Carrick another player to consider for the left wing role.
It remains to be seen who will be Carrick’s preferred option on the left wing this season.