Manchester United is already working hard in the preseason, but the intensity will soon raise a level, because Ruben Amorim leads his side against Leeds United this weekend
The preseason is underway in Manchester and Ruben Amorim is preparing his way for the return of the Premier League in just over a month. Five games are waiting for the Red Devils with the stars of the club to be raced in training, so that United can start quickly.
Amorim could only guide his side last season to the 15th in the table and would like to have some extensive time to work with his players and implement his tactics without interruption. United has been in their work for a week and new signing Matheus Cunha has participated in his first session at Carrington.
Work and tests are carried out in the gym and the training pitch has seen its first action before the club's summer tour starts. Leeds United waits in Stockholm before Amorim's team leaves for the United States to compete against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton.
With just a few days before the collision against newly promoted Leeds, the intensity of the summer is already picking up. Players who had international duty last month have also returned to action and now all eyes are aimed at making the opening weekend conflict with Arsenal.
So with the countdown about, what should Amorim and United do before the cut and thrust of friendly action start? Mirror Football takes a look.
Sign Mbeumo
Not exactly part of Amorim's task, but the Portuguese coach wanted the club's hierarchy to have his team on time for the tour for the season. The 40-year-old sees the period as an important opportunity for players to integrate into the group and to take his methods on board.
The arrival of Bryan Mbeumo would see a different goal threat that has been added to the forward line of United. Brentford is still waiting for a third bid from United and the Red Devils cannot make a mistake if they do not want to have an adverse impact on Amorim's plans.
Make the goalkeeper's decision
The possibility of signing a new keeper has long been expected at Old Trafford, but with the injury of Andre Onana has taken on more meaning. Backup option Altay Bayindir's future must be decided, and Amorim has to choose who he trusts to start in goal with Onana who may miss the start of the season.
It is said that United is ready to offer on John Victor from Botafogo, and the club may have to move quickly if there is a chance that he will start against Arsenal. Pre-season offers sufficient opportunity for a shot stopper to feel comfortable behind the backline of the club.
Choose his team for the US
It is not the only decision that Amorim will have to decide quickly. The head coach will have to choose the group of players who will come up with his tour team.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho are not part of Amorim's plans. The sale must be facilitated to prevent problems along the line later.
But with transfers that are not imminent, Amorim will have to ensure that he has the bodies to execute his training plans in the US, while he does not take a group so great that it can be disturbed by new signing sessions. Pre-season is after all about building Momentum, instead of putting the nose of people out of it together.
It can also offer the chance for a part of the young talent of the club to leave an impression. That could be that defender Godwill Kukonki, who is ready to sign his first professional deal, and Leeds could offer a test place to make such decisions.
Boost the trust
Amorim will also be charged with stimulating the trust of his stars, to bring in the belief that is needed to continue and have a better season. That will not be true for anyone than Rasmus Hojlund.
The Denmark International is often the victim of criticism of the objectives of United's goals and has had to withstand constant ties of the club, as well as speculation of transfers for new attackers. As it looks now, the young star remains the oldest proponent of United and Amorim has to try to unleash his talents, with the addition of Cunha perhaps part of the burden of the shoulders of the striker.