Things we noticed at training

Tuesday 08 July 2025 17:24

We were in attendance at Manchester United’s first pre-season training session, and here are some things we noticed…

NEW NUMBERS

In addition to new signing Matheus Cunha sporting the no.10, we noticed other changes among some of the youngsters in the group.

These included Shea Lacey, moving from no.72 to no.61, Bendito Mantato switching from no.85 to no.70 and Reece Munro trading no.79 for no.65.

It is worth remembering that there are more squad places allocated at United since we entered the EFL Trophy, with these being worn by the Academy players in the games against senior opponents. However, Lacey and Munro were on our post-season tour of Asia, and all of our more senior Academy players will, no doubt, be hoping to earn a spot on the upcoming USA trip to compete in the Premier League Summer Series.

Munro and Mantato are two players with updated squad numbers for the 2025/26 season.

HARD WORK AND TACTICAL INSTRUCTION

There was no easing the players back in after a five-week break. This session came with intensity and plenty of information. After activation, warm-ups and some competitive rondos, Ruben Amorim took the squad into a tactical drill, with the players going through some specific attacking patterns of play.

A later exercise focused on pressing, showing the desire to get cracking immediately as Amorim looks to progress his methods with this group of players.

SOME OUTRAGEOUS FINISHING

It was far from all mannequins and tactical lectures. The drills were fast-moving and contained some great moments. Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee took finish of the day for a beautiful aerial backheel, while new signing Cunha provided some rasping drives.

Cunha and Zirkzee’s finishing impressed.

NEW TRAINING KIT

Ruben and his coaching staff looked fresh in their new white training gear, while the players wore the Adidas ‘aurora purple’ strip. They looked sharp upon arrival, and in good shape on the drills began. It’s little surprise. We saw plenty of clips over the last couple of weeks of the players undergoing individual training to prepare for the Carrington return.