Man Utd Stars Face Make-or-Break Pre-Season to Secure Their Future
Manchester United's reconstruction phase commences this summer following their most disappointing campaign in the contemporary period during 2024–25.
A catastrophic season concluded with their Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur and a 15th-position Premier League standing as Ruben Amorim continues adapting to his role. Consequently, this summer's preparation period—featuring matches against West Ham United, Bournemouth, Everton and Fiorentina—carries unprecedented significance.
Several players in red maintained their reputation from last season's disaster, while others urgently need to demonstrate their value. With the transfer market remaining active until Sept. 1, this could represent a decisive moment for their United futures.
Below are five players who must make an impression on Amorim during the preparation period.
Altay Bayındır
André Onana's setback may not benefit United, but it creates possibilities for Altay Bayındır. The substitute keeper should gain consecutive starts during the Premier League Summer Series in America and must capitalize on this chance.
Bayındır has demonstrated inconsistent backup performance to the equally unpredictable Onana recently and now possesses the opportunity to impress Amorim before the Premier League season begins—Onana will likely be absent for the campaign's opening.
United might acquire a new goalkeeper this summer which would probably signal the departure of either Onana or Bayındır. The Turkish international must maximize his chance to avoid being the one leaving.
Matthijs de Ligt
Significant enthusiasm surrounded United's acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, with the Red Devils hoping to unlock the former Kopa Trophy recipient's potential after a challenging period. Nevertheless, the Dutch defender has failed to persuade since arriving at Old Trafford, lacking consistency within an admittedly unstable team.
Doubts persist regarding whether De Ligt can reclaim his form and fulfill the remarkable promise he displayed during his early Ajax career. A successful preparation period would alleviate United fans' worries about the £43 million center-back while providing him a solid foundation for competitive matches.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount has experienced terrible fortune since joining United in 2023. He achieved merely 20 appearances in his inaugural season due to injuries and could only improve that figure by seven last season as fitness problems and disappointing performances continued affecting his Old Trafford journey.
Above all, Mount needs some positive luck. The midfielder has displayed flashes of the exceptional ability and relentless effort that made him outstanding at Chelsea, but achieving consistency will determine his future.
Four goals and one assist over two seasons is completely inadequate for a £60 million ($81.1 million) midfielder and the 26-year-old will aim to change direction during this summer's preparation schedule.
Rasmus Højlund
Rasmus Højlund represents another expensive acquisition with much still to demonstrate in Manchester. The £72 million striker showed promising signs during his initial season with the Red Devils, but declined under Amorim's guidance. A 16-goal season was succeeded by merely ten strikes across all competitions last season.
With United allegedly seeking a new striker, Højlund may already be facing limited time. Reports suggest United are prepared to accept losses on the young player.
Nevertheless, it's reasonable to note that Højlund received insufficient service last season and the additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha should enhance his productivity. If he can string together goals during preparation, he might finally establish himself in the Premier League.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee faced comparable difficulties to Højlund last season. After netting the decisive goal on his competitive debut, the Dutchman managed to score just six additional times throughout the campaign. The 24-year-old appeared uncomfortable for most of the season.
Whether operating as a central striker or as one of Amorim's inside forwards, Zirkzee struggled. The former Bologna No.9 failed to consistently excel, apparently lacking the technical skills and attacking awareness needed to succeed at the highest level.
Injury limited his participation at last season's conclusion but has provided him with essential recovery time—both physically and mentally. He will be eager to reveal his genuine capabilities during preparation.