Manchester United’s pre-season 2026 is at an end. Here is a look at the winners and losers.
Six pre-season games have now been completed, and Manchester United’s eyes are now on the opening kick-off against Hull City.
Before we get there, let’s delve into the winners and losers from United’s pre-season and break down who saw their stock rise and decline.
Winners
We have picked out eight winners of Manchester United’s pre-season.
Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo took a couple of games to heat up, but he emerged as Manchester United’s biggest threat in attack. This was exactly what Michael Carrick required of him, with Benjamin Sesko out injured.
Mbeumo looks likely to lead the line for United in the season opener, and there were even positive signs of re-establishing his connection with Amad.
Andrey Santos
Manchester United’s summer transfer business has not been ideal. Andrey Santos is the counter-argument to that, he has settled in superbly. The Brazilian is a certainty to start the opener, he has made himself right at home.
Having been perceived as a bit of a ‘project signing’ when United landed him, Santos looks primed to make an instant impact.
Shea Lacey
While no guarantee to make United’s squad of 20 against Hull City, there is no doubt that Shea Lacey has made a big impact during pre-season. Lacey has proven that he belongs around the Manchester United first team and is capable of making an impact against top teams.
Lacey will have a part to play this season, his pre-season performances have earned the step up.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee is still yet to fully earn the faith of Michael Carrick and he might never do so. But he has shown that he can contribute.
Zirkzee scored two impressive goals during pre-season and could be a useful player if United decide to keep him – which is yet to be determined. He has at least given his United career a chance.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire is expected to have a key role to play in Manchester United’s opener against his former side Hull City. The defender has been a regular through pre-season.
Ayden Heaven could get the nod over Leny Yoro and a returning Lisandro Martinez to partner Maguire, with the trio all competing for a role alongside United’s veteran centre-back.
Patrick Dorgu
Denmark’s failure to qualify for the World Cup has meant that Patrick Dorgu returned early to United and has been able to focus fully on Manchester United.
Dorgu has been played solely at left-wing, giving him clear instruction rather than being switched between roles. After building up his fitness, he looks set to start the opener.
JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel only had a small role in pre-season, but when you are 15-years-old, it is a real statement just to be involved at all. The teenager made his first ever appearance for United in the friendly with Atletico Madrid.
It was telling that United kept Gabriel around the squad for the final three games of pre-season too. Don’t expect a lot from him this season, but he is clearly a player who United have high hopes for long-term, and this was a big step forward.
Jaydan Kamason
Promising right-back Jaydan Kamason‘s progress was delayed in 2025/26 by injuries. And while this pre-season still could have been better for him, he showed why he is so highly rated, providing two assists in the win over Rosenborg.
Kamason is now in demand for a loan move, and he must take advantage of any opportunity and come back stronger for next season. He has enhanced his reputation.
Losers
We have picked out five ‘losers’ from United’s pre-season where it did not go as planned…
Mason Mount
Mason Mount was on track to be one of the winners, before his very familiar injury problems struck.
It was always a big ask for Mount to get through six pre-season matches without injury, and he demonstrated this simply was not possible.
Mount had been trying to establish himself in United’s midfield. But now we don’t even know if he will be available to start the season.
Benjamin Sesko
Another no-show, Benjamin Sesko’s absence has been a major frustration for Manchester United fans.
After joining late last summer, Sesko has missed a second pre-season, and could take weeks to get back to to speed.
The Slovenian really picked up form late last season, and it is a real shame for him that he has not yet been able to build on this.
Chido Obi
You might have thought that with Sesko out, Chido Obi would be given an extended opportunity to show what he could do. Michael Carrick had other ideas.
Obi made only one substitute appearance and failed to make the squad for the majority of the games. It was a clear sign the coaching staff believe he is not ready.
Jacob Devaney
Jacob Devaney entered pre-season with the objective to break into Manchester United’s midfield after his loan spell at St Mirren. But he was not given the chance.
Devaney was used as a centre-back and then omitted from later squads. Another loan awaits.
United’s late returning World Cup stars
Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez and a returning Marcus Rashford have barely played at all after their involvement at the latter stages of the World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha have both shown to be lacking sharpness. You can group all of these players in together, it feels like they are nowhere near ready.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/mZlCOTK