Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could hand summer signing Joshua Zirkzee his debut in Saturday's Community Shield clash against rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
The 23-year-old, a reported £42.5m addition from Bologna, missed the Red Devils' pre-season tour of the United States due to his participation with the Netherlands at Euro 2024, but the striker has since taken part in training with his new teammates.
Zirkzee could be handed his full debut as the focal point of Man United's attack on Saturday, although Ten Hag has hinted that he may decide to stick with Jadon Sancho in the centre-forward role; the Englishman started up front in friendlies against Real Betis and Liverpool earlier this month.
Like Zirkzee, a host of other senior stars including Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho have all reported back to Carrington and are set to be named in Ten Hag's matchday squad on Saturday.
The return of this contingent comes as a welcomed boost for Ten Hag, who will be without the services of new recruit Leny Yoro (foot), Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) as they continue to recover from injury.
Ten Hag has also revealed that defensive quartet Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are all doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Jonny Evans was taken off in the 3-0 friendly defeat to Liverpool last weekend through illness, but the 36-year-old should be fit to return on Saturday and could start at the heart of defence alongside Martinez, while promising 17-year-old Harry Amass, who impressed during pre-season, will likely retain his place at left-back if Shaw is not deemed fit to feature.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
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