Manchester United officially begin their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign today when they face Wrexham in Helsinki.
Manager Michael Carrick will have to cope without several senior stars, who are still unavailable following their involvement at the FIFA World Cup.
The Red Devils have already confirmed the 25-man squad that has travelled to Finland for the opening pre-season fixture.
With so many youngsters included in the squad, Carrick is widely expected to rotate heavily and could field two completely different XIs across the two halves.
Here is how we believe Carrick could line up his starting XI, blending experienced first-team players with the brightest academy talents.
(Also Read: Man United pre-season 2026: Fixture schedule, predicted XI, injured stars & more)
Goalkeeper
Radek Vitek
The Czech goalkeeper looks favourite to start between the posts and will be eager to impress after a scintillating loan spell at Bristol City. Summer signing Karl Darlow is not part of the travelling squad.
Defence
Jayadan Kamason, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass
Maguire is expected to lead a youthful back four alongside highly-rated defender Heaven.
Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are still on break, paving the way for young right-back Kamason.
Luke Shaw could replace Amass after the break to lead the side in the second half.
Midfield
Tyler Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Mason Mount
Fletcher made two senior appearances under Carrick last season. He looks to be a front-runner to earn a promotion to the senior set-up if he can impress in the pre-season.
Thwaites is an extremely talented wonderkid known for his line-breaking passes from deep.
Mason Mount could operate in the number 10 role in the absence of club captain Bruno Fernandes.
Andrey Santos could make his unofficial debut in the second half in the number six position.
Attack
Bryan Mbeumo, Joshua Zirkzee, Patrick Dorgu
Mbeumo and Dorgu could play on the wings, with Zirkzee leading the line.
With Benjamin Sesko still unavailable, Zirkzee has the perfect opportunity to remind Carrick why he deserves serious consideration ahead of the new campaign.
We expect Shea Lacey, Ethan Williams and Chido Obi to come on in the second half.
