Manchester United will continue their preparations for the 2023-24 Premier League campaign when they take on Real Madrid in Houston, Texas on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils beat Leeds United, Lyon and Arsenal in their opening three pre-season games of the summer before suffering a 3-1 loss to Wrexham on Tuesday evening, but it was largely a youth side that took to the field for the contest with the League Two outfit.
The first team will be back on the field for the game against Real Madrid, which is the penultimate fixture of the club’s pre-season tour, finishing against Borussia Dortmund on July 30.
Here, MS News Ug Sports picks out three talking points ahead of the contest with Carlo Ancelotti’s side from a Man United point of view.
Debut for Andre Onana?
Onana headed straight to the United States after he was confirmed as a new Man United player on Thursday, with the Cameroonian having his first training session with the club on Friday.
Unsurprisingly, he was not involved against Arsenal on Saturday evening, but the summer arrival from Inter Milan is very much in line to take to the field against Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old is believed to have made a huge impression on his new teammates during his training sessions thus far, and it will be fascinating to see him in a match environment for the club.
Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag will want Onana to get used to his new teammates as soon as possible, and having now had a few more training sessions, it is very likely that he will be involved against Ancelotti’s side, potentially from the start.
Anthony Martial in line for return
Martial missed the end of last season with a hamstring problem, and there has again been speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford
Man United will bring in a new forward this summer, but it would be a surprise if Martial left, as Ten Hag is not exactly blessed with a number of options in the striker position.
The Red Devils boss has said that he wants to keep hold of the Frenchman, who is set to be involved against Real Madrid on Wednesday, having overcome his hamstring issue.
Martial only scored nine times during an injury-hit 2022-23 campaign, and it remains to be seen whether he can stay fit for long enough to make a serious impression next term.
The attacker’s return is a big positive for the 20-time English champions, though, and this could be the season where he finally reaches his full potential.
Kobbie Mainoo bidding to make another big impression
Mainoo’s performances during pre-season have been excellent, and it will be interesting to see how involved he is against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
The 18-year-old has allegedly been the subject of loan interest this summer, but Man United have made it clear that he will be a part of their plans for the 2023-24 campaign.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are now ready to feature from the first whistle, so it will be a huge vote of confidence for Mainoo if he starts once again against the European heavyweights.
The youngster again made a strong impression in his opening 45 minutes against Arsenal, and with Scott McTominay and Fred potentially being allowed to leave this summer, it could be a breakthrough season for him.
Real Madrid boast one of the best midfields in world football, and Mainoo could find himself up against a certain Jude Bellingham, which would certainly be a fascinating battle.
