Manchester United have started their preparations ahead of what is a crucial season for the club and head coach Michael Carrick. The former England midfielder has been named permanent head coach after leading a revival during the second half of last season that earned the club a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have arrived to bolster the squad, and more transfer business is expected.
United's FIFA World Cup players have not yet returned, but preseason matches have already begun, with a defeat to Wrexham in Finland and a comfortable 5-0 win over Rosenborg in Norway. Further games against Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan are also scheduled before the Premier League kicks off with a visit to newly promoted Hull City on Aug. 22.