Signings impress but squad issues remain - learnings from Man Utd's summer

What the report says

BBC Sport Football says Manchester United’s pre-season under permanent head coach Michael Carrick has produced a mixed but informative set of signals ahead of the new campaign. The club completed five weeks and six friendly matches, finishing with two wins, two draws and two defeats. Among the clearer positives were the performances of summer arrival Andrey Santos, who started every game and drew praise for his passing, discipline and communication, as well as encouraging spells from Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Youri Tielemans and Bryan Mbeumo. There were also promising flashes from Leny Yoro, Amad Diallo and academy forward Shea Lacey.

The article also highlights unresolved squad questions. New striker Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Karl Darlow did not feature, Mason Mount was absent after a foot issue, and the future of Marcus Rashford remains unclear despite an expectation he may stay. BBC Sport says some players present in the squad, including Toby Collyer and Harry Amass, are likely to leave on loan or permanently, while Joshua Zirkzee’s role appears uncertain.

A major theme is that United still need more recruitment, particularly at left-back and possibly in central midfield. Luke Shaw’s fitness and workload are a concern, with Carrick and club sources indicating the squad needs greater depth before a run that includes Premier League and Champions League fixtures. More broadly, the piece suggests United’s progress is real but incomplete, with Carrick urging realism rather than overconfidence.