Manchester United

Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes return to Manchester United

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 July 2023

Casemiro, Rashford, Fernandes return to Man United

Casemiro, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were among the Manchester United players to return to pre-season training on Saturday.

Casemiro, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were among the Manchester United players to return to the club's Carrington training base on Saturday morning.

Alejandro Garnacho, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also returned, with the players involved for their countries during the June internationals officially beginning pre-season training.

Man United opened their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a friendly against Leeds United on Wednesday, running out 2-0 winners courtesy of goals from Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill.

Head coach Erik ten Hag took a largely youthful squad to Oslo, although there were familiar names in the shape of Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho.

Mason Mount also made his debut for Man United, featuring for the opening 45 minutes of the contest before being withdrawn at the half-time break.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on April 27, 2023 © Reuters

Hannibal Mejbri, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo were also among the starters against Leeds, with the trio bidding to be a part of the first-team squad for the new campaign.

The Red Devils will resume their preparations for the upcoming season with a contest against French outfit Lyon in Edinburgh on Wednesday afternoon.

However, Ten Hag said last week that the returning international players might not be involved in the clash in Scotland, with each individual set to be assessed upon their return.

"I think [the international players are back] Saturday. Those players, most of them will not show up in Edinburgh as well because they need time and to have a good training week," Ten Hag told MUTV.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

"They had to have days off and relaxation. Those players played most games in the last season, so they needed that rest. So then we have to bring them back, but you have to do it carefully and you can't go from 0 to 100."

Following the clash with Lyon, Man United will travel to the United States for their pre-season tour, which will see them take on Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Ten Hag's side are building towards their 2023-24 Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14, while their first away game of the season will be against Tottenham Hotspur on August 19.

Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Dean Henderson are among the Man United players currently unavailable for selection, with the trio continuing their injury recoveries.

Fred, meanwhile, is a doubt for the game against Lyon due to the issue that forced him to miss out against Leeds, although the Brazil international is currently being strongly linked with an exit.