Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is without some of his big hitters for the team's pre-season tour of the United States.
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Man Utd name squad for US pre-season tourHost of keys stars missingLeny Yoro and Jadon Sancho are includedWHAT HAPPENED?
Ten Hag has named a 29-man squad for Manchester United's pre-season tour of the United States. New signing Leny Yoro has been included following his move from Lille but Zirkzee will not make the trip across the Atlantic. Ten Hag will also be without captain Fernandes and Mainoo, but fans will get to see stars including Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and even Jadon Sancho in North America.
AdvertisementGettyTHE EXPLANATION
United have confirmed that Zirkzee will not fly to the United States "as he continues to take his summer break following Euro 2024". Fernandes and Mainoo are also still on leave following their exploits in Germany. Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Pellistri and Luke Shaw will also sit the trip out because of their recent international commitments. Tyrell Malacia is the only other player to be omitted from the squad as he continues to follow an individual training regime to build up his fitness after missing much of 2023-24.
WHAT TEN HAG HAS SAID
Ten Hag has said pre-season offers players the chance to stake a claim ahead of the new season. He told the club's website: "We have a strong first-team squad there with players that can present themselves to the fans, but especially to us. They have the levels to play in our team for next season. There will be a mix, with experienced players together with some young players. [The squad will be] as strong as possible, but of course the players who go far in the Copa America and the Euros will not be involved.
"Pre-season is about preparing for the season and we have to make that our next step. It is one of the only times when you have the team together, and you can work in training on structures, the way of play, but also on certain standards around the team and that’s very important to take this period and use it effectively."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD
Manchester United have been beaten by Rosenborg and enjoyed a 2-0 win over Rangers so far in pre-season. Ten Hag's first game in the United States is against Arsenal in Los Angeles. The Red Devils go on to play Real Betis and Liverpool before heading home for a Community Shield date with Manchester City.
