ALTHOUGH football managers should expect some criticism when describing a player returning from injury as 'like a new signing, Erik ten Hag might consider that cliche to be true in a few months' time at United.
Thankfully, there have been no major injuries sustained by key first-team players in pre-season for the Reds so far, but promising youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Amad have both suffered knocks that have them sidelined for the start of the campaign.
It's understood Mainoo was informed he would play a role in the first-team squad in the new season instead of being sent on loan, so watching him hobble off after starting against Real Madrid was gutwrenching.
With the exception of the clash against Wrexham, Mainoo started in every pre-season game until his injury and although he impressed against Leeds, Lyon and Arsenal, being picked to face Real Madrid felt significant.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Carsley's gamble backfires as his lopsided England side fail to inspire
LEE Carsley's chances of becoming Gareth Southgate's permanent successor as England boss received a major blow as Greece paid tribute to George Baldock with a historic 2-1 Nations League win.
SQUAD GOALS Right now, United don't have players to score enough
WHEN Erik ten Hag returns to Carrington next week, as he is now expected to do, he will try to find an upturn in performance that could prolong his stay in the United hot seat.
Haaland lends voice to growing fears over fixture list
‘IT'S STARTING TO BECOME AN AWFUL LOT OF MATCHES' ERLING HAALAND
'Predator' raped woman on bus
A 'DANGEROUS sexual predator' raped a vulnerable woman on the top deck of an X43 bus service to Manchester city centre.
Downing Street denies Rayner security 'snub'
ANGELA Rayner has been left out of the permanent membership of the UK's National Security Council (NSC), despite being Deputy Prime Minister.
Kate's hugs and thanks for 999 workers
THE Princess of Wales delivered hugs and a heartfelt \"thank you\" to the emergency workers called to the fatal Southport stabbings after meeting the children's bereaved families.
Milton brings misery
HURRICANE Milton brought misery to a coast still ravaged by Helene as it ploughed into Florida as a Category 3 storm, pounding cities with winds of over 100mph after producing a barrage of 150 tornadoes.
Towering vision of plans for new 44-storey skyscraper
NEW BLOCK WOULD BE OPPOSITE DEANSGATE LOCKS
Rapper Aitch refuses to mind his Ps and Qs
MOSTON MUSICIAN ALWAYS WANTS TO KEEP HIS 'MANCHESTER' SOUND
YouTuber jailed over vile rant outside asylum-seeker hotel
HOMELESS FORMER CHEF STIRRED UP RACIAL HATRED WITH LIVE BROADCAST WITH AUDIENCE OF OVER 30,000