Manchester United have received a major fitness boost ahead of the beginning of the Premier League season against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s pre-season has largely been a success since the disappointing 0-0 draw against Leeds United at the beginning of July, but there are some areas that Rúben Amorim will still be looking to improve before the Premier League season begins next week.
The Portuguese manager has a big decision to make in regards to who starts the season as the centre forward, as Benjamin Sesko is yet to officially sign for United, with his announcement expected just before the Red Devils face David de Gea’s Fiorentina.
Rasmus Hojlund will likely start in the final pre-season match, but he seems destined to spend the 2025/26 season on loan, with AC Milan’s official offer now revealed. Joshua Zirkzee is another option to play up front, but the Dutchman may not be fit enough to play on Saturday after missing the entire pre-season tour.
Noussair Mazraoui has also missed the majority of pre-season after picking up an injury against Leeds United; he could struggle to get back into the starting side when he returns, despite being included in Amorim’s six-man leadership team.
Onana to return for Arsenal clash
Andre Onana hasn’t played for United since the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. He was rested for the final game against Aston Villa, but picked up a hamstring injury during the squad’s post-season tour of Asia.
However, United’s No.24 looks set to return for the Premier League opener against Arsenal, although he will miss the final pre-season fixture on Saturday, reports Manchester Evening News.
Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton have shared the minutes in pre-season, but Onana was training throughout the USA tour in non-contact sessions so his injury wouldn’t worsen.
United’s Turkish No.1 looked set for a move away from the club earlier in the transfer window, but he may fancy his chances of retaining the starting spot after Onana’s injury and questionable form towards the end of last season.
Who should start the Premier League opener?
Even if Onana does return in time to face Arsenal, the question has to be asked: should he start anyway? The Cameroonian was poor for the majority of last season, and his absence from training for four months won’t have improved his form.
While Bayindir hasn’t been exceptional either, he may be the best choice to start against Arsenal because he has played a full pre-season and the defence are used to his style of play after the USA tour.
The other option would be to give Tom Heaton the nod after the veteran secured a new one-year contract towards the end of last season; he will be as sharp as Bayindir going into the Arsenal game.
Amorim’s team selection against Fiorentina will be very telling, as the manager will likely pick as close to his best 11 as he can, with no more pre-season matches after de Gea’s return.
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