Jadon Sancho and Joshua Zirkzee are the two most important 'new' faces in Manchester United's squad. Manager Erik ten Hag discussed both attacking players on Tuesday, a day after the Red Devils' friendly defeat to Norwegian side Rosenborg.
Sancho was not utilized by Ten Hag last season; the two had a strained relationship, and the winger ended up finishing the football year at his former club Borussia Dortmund.
That is now behind them, and Sancho is training with the team again. 'Manchester United needs good players, and Jadon is a good player. We have put that behind us and are looking forward,' said the manager to the Manchester Evening News.
Sancho's return to the squad is seen as a positive development for United. The English winger had shown great potential during his time at Dortmund and his initial period at United, and his reintegration could add significant depth and creativity to the team's attacking options. Fans are hopeful that the renewed relationship with Ten Hag will help Sancho regain his form and confidence, contributing to United's success in the upcoming season.
On the club's channels, Ten Hag discussed the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee, who was signed from Italian side Bologna for around forty million euros. Last season, Ten Hag regularly advocated for bringing in an additional striker to relieve the young Rasmus Højlund. With the fourth Dutch addition (along with staff members Ruud van Nistelrooij, René Hake, and Jelle ten Rouwelaar coming to Old Trafford), Ten Hag saw his wish granted. And he is happy about it.
'He can be a link between the lines. He can hold up the ball, has good ideas. He is creative, can dribble, and is good in combination play. In short, he is a completely different type tactically, and we are always looking for that because it gives us more tactical options. Up front, we have many players who play very directly, who can benefit from his skills,' said Ten Hag. Zirkzee's signing is expected to provide a new dimension to United's attacking play, giving the team more flexibility and tactical options.
United has four more friendly matches before the season begins. The opponents are Rangers FC, Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool, first in Scotland and then three times in a row in the United States. These matches will be crucial for Ten Hag to fine-tune his tactics and integrate new signings into the squad. The pre-season games are not only a chance to build fitness but also an opportunity to test different formations and strategies against strong opposition.
The first competitive match is a replay of the FA Cup final. FA Cup winners Manchester United will play against champions Manchester City for the Community Shield. This match will serve as an early test of the team's readiness for the new season and a chance to claim the first silverware of the campaign. It will also be an exciting encounter for the fans, given the intense rivalry between the two Manchester clubs.
On Friday, August 16, the club will open the league season at home against Fulham. This opening fixture will be crucial for United to start the Premier League campaign on a positive note. A strong performance will set the tone for the rest of the season and boost the team's confidence. With new additions and a refreshed squad, United will be aiming to challenge for the title and improve on their performance from last season.
Overall, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Manchester United, with key players returning, new signings adding strength, and crucial fixtures ahead. The team's preparations and early performances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they seek to reclaim their place at the top of English and European football.
