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Manchester United have already begun their preseason preparations as Michael Carrick takes charge of his first summer at the helm.
Three new signings have strengthened his squad ahead of a challenging 2026–27 campaign that includes a return to Champions League football, though only Andrey Santos featured in an opening loss to Wrexham. However, it is the established players within his talented roster who will face the sharpest scrutiny this summer.
A number of fringe players have something to prove as they battle for a spot in Carrick's long-term plans, while several academy prospects are also vying for their manager's attention during a busy schedule of summer friendlies across northern Europe.
With that in mind, here are seven United players who need to make an impression during preseason.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee's time at United has been undeniably difficult. A match-winning goal on his Premier League debut raised considerable hope, but the Dutchman, who cost a total of $46.2 million, has managed only eight further goals since. Just two of those came during the 2025–26 season.
Zirkzee made only 26 appearances across all competitions last season after failing to win over either Ruben Amorim or Carrick, with speculation over his departure likely to grow this summer. Impressive debut campaigns from Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo have only compounded the former Bayern Munich forward's struggles and edged him closer to a loan or permanent exit.
But confidence is everything for a striker. If Zirkzee can string together a run of goals in preseason—particularly against high-profile opponents such as Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Milan—his future at Old Trafford becomes considerably less uncertain.
It will be a tough task for Zirkzee to shift perceptions this summer, but recapturing the form he showed at Anderlecht or Bologna would give Carrick genuine reason to reconsider.
Mason Mount
Injuries have been Mason Mount's biggest obstacle to success in Manchester. Persistent fitness problems mean the England international has yet to reach 30 appearances in any of his three seasons at Old Trafford, with a combined 72 outings producing just seven goals and two assists.
The version of Mount seen at Chelsea was a completely different player. A dynamic and creative midfielder with a sharp eye for goal, he was particularly unstoppable during the 2021–22 season, racking up an impressive 29 goal contributions across all competitions.
Mount is far from a lost cause if he can remain fit, with flashes of his considerable talent still appearing on a semi-regular basis when given opportunities. Preseason represents the ideal platform for him to demonstrate more of that quality, with added pressure coming from the recent arrivals of midfield rivals Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans—even if they occupy somewhat different roles to the Englishman.
With the additional demands of European football next season, Mount has a significant part to play for the Red Devils. Building momentum before the campaign kicks off will be vital.
Leny Yoro
It was quite the achievement when United fended off Liverpool and Real Madrid to land Leny Yoro, widely regarded as one of Europe's most exciting defensive talents upon his arrival for an initial $67.6 million. Two years on, however, the Frenchman's progress has plateaued.
Unable to displace the likes of Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martínez in the race for a regular starting position, Yoro's contribution has been limited to 33 appearances across each of his two seasons in Manchester.
When called upon, the 20-year-old has rarely convinced. While his age warrants some patience, a number of notable individual errors and unconvincing performances at the heart of defense are a source of concern.
Yoro, who was deployed at right back during the Wrexham defeat, must quickly raise his level to push for a more meaningful role going forward.
Patrick Dorgu
Patrick Dorgu was pushed to the margins under Amorim. Brought in specifically by the Portuguese manager to operate as the ideal left wing back in his 3-4-2-1 setup, the Denmark international quickly found himself behind the more experienced Luke Shaw in the pecking order.
Carrick's appointment sparked a change in fortunes, however, with Dorgu's shift into an emergency left winger role helping him thrive. A productive run of goals and assists was unfortunately ended by a long-term injury in late January, from which he only recovered in May.
United still lack a natural left winger, with Dorgu and Matheus Cunha the current candidates for the position. Bringing in a wide forward remains a real possibility, but a strong preseason could ensure Dorgu retains his manager's confidence heading into the new campaign—regardless of any incoming transfers.
It is easy to overlook the fact that Dorgu is just 21 years old. His prospects remain promising, whether at left back or further forward.
Harry Amass
Speaking of United's options at left back, enter Harry Amass.
The 19-year-old made a promising start to his United career after breaking into the senior setup in April 2024. In total, he accumulated seven appearances before heading out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City last season, though his spell with the latter was cut short by a serious hamstring injury shortly after his debut.
Amass made his first appearance since January against Wrexham, coming on at left back as United's younger players took over in the second half. An opportunity exists for him to impress despite a disrupted 2025–26 campaign, with Dorgu's positional shift and the recent departure of Tyrell Malacia leaving Shaw as potentially the only senior left back at the club.
Of course, Noussair Mazraoui can capably fill in at left back, as he demonstrated at the World Cup with Morocco, but he is needed as cover for Diogo Dalot on the opposite flank. Should Shaw pick up an injury—as was frequently the case before his remarkable return last season—United could find themselves short. They would then need to either bring in a new signing or place their trust in Amass to step up.
Toby Collyer
Toby Collyer accumulated 13 appearances during his breakthrough 2024–25 campaign, fitting seamlessly into United's midfield as a combative, deep-lying presence. The Englishman's tireless work rate and willingness to compete for the ball quickly won over the Old Trafford supporters.
In pursuit of more first-team minutes, Collyer was loaned out to West Bromwich Albion and then Hull City last season, but, much like Amass, his campaign was severely hampered by injuries. As a result, he was unable to fully demonstrate his capabilities.
Collyer's current deal runs until 2027, leaving United with a decision to make. Do they sell him this summer and recoup a fee, send him out on loan before letting him leave on a free, or integrate him into the first-team picture next season amid a packed fixture list?
Preseason may well provide the answer to that question, with Carrick sure to be eager to give the young Englishman a chance to make his case.
Shea Lacey
Shea Lacey has long been earmarked for a bright future in Manchester. The Liverpool-born winger earned his senior debut last December, going on to make four appearances before the season concluded—including an FA Cup outing that ended with a red card.
The 19-year-old has made a strong impression in the academy, particularly with the U-21s, and there is already talk of a loan move away from Old Trafford to gain experience. However, United may be tempted to keep him close to the first team next season.
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While there is no clear path into the starting lineup for Lacey, who faces competition from Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo on the right wing, the teenager could prove a valuable rotation option in domestic cup competitions. He is highly regarded at the club and should be afforded opportunities to shine during preseason.
A series of encouraging performances in warmup fixtures could be enough to persuade Carrick of his value to the squad.