United View: Reds return to pre-season training

Another week has gone by and once again there hasn’t been much action on the transfer front as far as Manchester United are concerned. 

There is one new face at Old Trafford, with teenage full-back Diego Leon signing from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno, but with all due respect, United need much more than that if they are to improve on their dismal 15th place finish last time out. 

It remains to be seen whether Leon will be integrated straight into the first team next season, or whether he will go out on loan, but one thing that’s certain about the youngster is that he isn’t short of belief. 

“Everyone thinks I’ll go out on loan, but I don’t have that mindset,” said the 18-year-old. 

“I’m going to kill it in pre-season and within one or two games, I’ll already be playing with them.” 

United fans will be hoping he can back these comments up going forward, with left-back becoming a problem position in recent years for The Reds due to Luke Shaw’s injury problems. 

Elsewhere, as mentioned in last week’s column, any further signings for United are likely to be dependent on departures, with the club desperate for cash to fund potential incomings. 

On Friday it was reported that a number of senior players have expressed their desire to leave the club, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Antony all given extra time off to explore their options. 

As for the rest of the United squad, they reported back for training on Monday as planned. 

This comes after United’s decision to give the number 10 shirt, formerly occupied by Rashford, to new signing Matheus Cunha. 

I’m not sure any further proof was needed, but this makes it absolutely crystal clear that the Englishman won’t be part of Ruben Amorim’s plans next season. 

Despite being given extra time away, Rashford was present at Carrington earlier this week, but did not train with the rest of the first team. 

In other news, things are looking increasingly bleak for United regarding their pursuit for a new number nine. 

Viktor Gyokeres, who worked with Amorim during his time a Sporting, has been a long-term target for The Reds, but the Swede looks set for a move to Arsenal. 

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins remains an option, but Villa’s £60m valuation seems unrealistic when you consider the forward turns 30 later this year. 

Other options have been mentioned, but to say these are uninspiring would be an understatement. 

Among those touted as cheaper alternatives include free agents Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy, all of whom’s contracts expired at the end of last season. 

While all three have Premier League experience, I’m not sure they’d be an obvious upgrade on any of United’s current forwards, and that is saying something. 

To add to this, the trio have all expereinced injury issues over the last few years, so I for one, am hoping we steer clear. 

Whatever happens, United will need to get a move on if they are to get any players through the door before their pre-season campaign begins on July 19, with a friendly against bitter rivals, and Premier League new boys, Leeds United.