Manchester United round off their pre-season campaign against AC Milan on Saturday, with Marcus Rashford in line for his first appearance since December 2024.
Michael Carrick's side travel to Poland for their final friendly before the new season, with the United boss expected to gradually reintroduce several returning players following their recent arrivals back in training.
Manchester United team news
The biggest boost for United is the expected return of Marcus Rashford, who has not featured since returning from loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Carrick confirmed after the draw with Leeds United that Rashford, Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo were not ready for Wednesday's match but should be available this weekend.
"Marcus, Licha and Kobbie only came back a couple of days ago so they're not quite ready but we can have them for the weekend.
"We'll get the balance right of minutes."
The trio are expected to feature from the bench as Carrick carefully manages their workloads ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Meanwhile, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko remain doubts after missing the Leeds friendly, while Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton are unavailable through injury.
Rashford set for Amorim reunion
Saturday's fixture could see Rashford come up against Ruben Amorim for the first time since the Portuguese coach's departure from Old Trafford.
The England international has not represented Manchester United since December 2024, making his return one of the major talking points heading into the friendly.
Carrick recently described Rashford as an important part of his squad, raising expectations that the forward could play a significant role this season.
Predicted Manchester United XI
Carrick is expected to field a strong starting side before introducing returning players during the second half.
Predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo.
Bench options: Rashford, Mainoo, Martinez and Matheus Cunha are all expected to receive minutes if declared fit.
Prediction
Manchester United have shown encouraging signs throughout pre-season and will be eager to finish preparations with a positive result before the competitive campaign begins.
AC Milan will provide a far sterner test than many of United's previous opponents, but Carrick's side should have enough quality to produce another encouraging display.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 AC Milan
Key Points
- Marcus Rashford is expected to return against AC Milan.
- Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez are also available again.
- Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko remain doubts.
- Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton are unavailable through injury.
- Michael Carrick is expected to rotate throughout the friendly.
What's Next?
Following Saturday's clash with AC Milan, Manchester United will turn their attention to the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Carrick will hope to see Rashford, Mainoo and Martinez come through the match unscathed while finalising his strongest XI for the start of the competitive campaign.
Do you think Marcus Rashford should start Manchester United's Premier League opener after his return?
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