Manchester United will face Wrexham later today in their opening pre-season game of the summer.
Instead of embarking on a lucrative tour of the United States, the Red Devils have opted to remain in Europe this summer because of the disruption caused by the FIFA World Cup.
Check out everything you need to know about Man United’s pre-season here.
Here are five key storylines to keep an eye on today.
Michael Carrick as full-time manager
All eyes will be on Michael Carrick as he begins his first full pre-season in charge of United.
The players flourished under Carrick during the second half of last season, but expectations have now risen significantly with the head coach finally having the time to fully implement his ideas.
It will also be an important test for his coaching staff, who earned new two-year contracts after guiding United back into the UEFA Champions League.
Andrey Santos debut
While Karl Darlow and Youri Tielemans are not part of the travelling squad to Finland, Andrey Santos is expected to make his unofficial debut later today.
Santos recently completed his £50 million transfer from Chelsea to United.
He is naturally a defensive midfielder with excellent technical ability.
Supporters will be eager to see whether the Brazilian immediately displays the composure and maturity that convinced INEOS to bring him to Old Trafford.
The new-look midfield
Santos is only one part of what could be a completely reshaped United midfield this season.
With Kobbie Mainoo still away in the United States and Manuel Ugarte sidelined through injury, several academy midfielders have been handed a golden opportunity to impress.
Tyler Fletcher and Jack Fletcher both made their Premier League debuts last season and currently appear to be leading the race for senior involvement.
Jim Thwaites will also be determined to prove he deserves serious first-team consideration.
Opportunity at left-back
The left-back battle promises to be fascinating.
Harry Amass will be keen to prove he deserves a permanent place in the first-team squad.
Patrick Dorgu is equally capable of operating at left-back, although Carrick preferred using him in a more advanced role towards the end of last season.
Breakout stars
Several academy prospects will be hoping to use pre-season as the platform to announce themselves.
We already talked about the Fletcher brothers and Thwaites but Jacob Devaney could quietly emerge as one of the surprise packages over the coming weeks.
Carrick is also expected to closely monitor Shea Lacey, who will be hoping to prove he is mature enough to become a permanent member of the senior squad.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
