Erik ten Hag is fully focused on ensuring Manchester United have a positive finish to the 2023/24 season, but planning for next term is already well under way.
The manager has shed some light on that preparation, explaining how he will use the strongest possible squad across the club’s pre-season friendlies.
There will be one main group, as opposed to last year’s split selections and, although international tournaments will have an impact, Erik wanted to emphasise that all those who are fit and available would be making the various trips.
“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,” the boss told us recently, when asked who would represent the club in the summer.
“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.”
Five pre-season fixtures have been announced so far to help the squad get ready for the 2024/25 campaign.
The Reds take on Rosenborg in Trondheim, the day after the Euros and Copa America conclude, before facing Rangers in Edinburgh.
We will then travel to the United States for a second consecutive year, for a tour that involves two games on the west coast, against Arsenal in Los Angeles and Real Betis in San Diego, plus a meeting with arch-rivals Liverpool in South Carolina.
The Reds have tweaked the approach in America this summer, with travel reduced as California will be the main base, Erik explained:
“We had a good time there [in the US last year]. [This time] we will do things slightly different. We will stay longer in the base camp and not so much travelling any more. We will play again against strong opponents.
“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.”
Ten Hag also pointed out how pre-season is often the best chance for supporters to be introduced to summer arrivals, like Mason Mount and Andre Onana in 2023, or the stars of tomorrow.
Kobbie Mainoo stood out last year, before his breakthrough season, while Omari Forson and Willy Kambwala were also involved. There could be an opportunity for others to follow in their footsteps this time around.
“I think that is, for the fans overseas, really exciting,” Erik said. “We will bring players like Kobbie – who was very unknown by that time, and now everyone knows him.
“So if you want to have the first glimpse of players – maybe new players or young players who are coming up through the Academy, then this is your opportunity.”
Tickets are still available for Tour 2024 and you can get more information on each of the five games here.
