Manchester United make big change for the first time since 2002 with Michael Carrick in charge
Manchester United have made a big change to their summer plans this year.
Michael Carrick’s team finished a strong third in the Premier League and are aiming to challenge for the title next season.
Under their former midfielder, United showed clear improvement, securing a spot in the Champions League. They know it will be harder to compete on all fronts next season.
The Red Devils are preparing for an important summer transfer window, focusing mainly on refreshing the midfield. They plan to sign at least two midfielders and may also bring in a left winger, a full-back, and a goalkeeper.
Carrick also knows a good pre-season will be key to their title hopes, giving them time to work on tactics and get fitter for the tough season ahead.
This year, United have announced all six of their summer friendlies—showing a notable change in how they are preparing.
Except for 2020 and 2021, when COVID-19 limited travel, United have always played matches outside Europe since 2002, often in the US or Asia. But this year, they’re switching things up. Instead of a big commercial tour, they’ll play all their pre-season games in Europe.
One big reason is the World Cup. Carrick won’t have some key players at the start of pre-season, and the tournament makes it harder to get attention in North America this summer. Staying mostly at their Carrington training base, they’ll take shorter trips to each game.
Manchester United start their pre-season on 18 July against Championship team Wrexham at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium. The next game is on 24 July away to Norwegian side Rosenborg in Trondheim.
On 1 August, they face Atletico Madrid in Stockholm for the Snapdragon Cup, then stay in Sweden for their 8 August match against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg.
Their tour wraps up with friendlies against Leeds United in Dublin on 12 August and AC Milan in Wroclaw on 15 August.
The Premier League kicks off the weekend of 22 August, just after their final pre-season game.