I'm guessing our guys in the Euros (especially those who made it into the Quarters) will start a bit later?
First day of training was rumored to be July 6 or 7. I think Mourinho's "unveiling" (although I don't know what that means, he already had a conference) is on Monday, July 4. Think they want to have Mhiki and Zlatan in the bag to bring out with him. I imagine everyone that made it past the group stages of the Euros may get a slightly extended break. The Copa ended early, so maybe only Rojo and Valencia will be delayed from that. Ideally Rojo will have ********ed off by then though.
We've seen all those vids and pics of some of our fringe players working out and getting ready for the upcoming season. What I'm looking forward to the most (at least as the start of preseason) is for guys, like Memphs, Lingard, Januzaj, among others to make a good impression on Jose right away and show him they belong in the squad at least and will have something to offer to the team. With many of the players on the team probably getting extended time off, can't think of a better chance for those guys to make their mark.
That's how I see it as well. Guys like you mentioned and the likes of Herrera and Blind have a lot to prove. I'd almost think Schneiderlin may report early as well seeing as he hardly saw the field in France, but with all the rumors about him moving his fate may be sealed. But a lot of folks have to show Jose they should be here. Will be nice to see Luke Shaw back at it as well.
From what it sounds like we are skipping the Northern Ireland Milk Cup (I think that's what it was called). We used to send some fringe players and youth up to that if I remember it right, but people on the CAF saying it's a no go.
United are looking forward to face City in preseason - Valencia http://www.espnfc.co.uk/manchester-...man-united-relishing-man-city-preseason-clash
Whats funny was last preseason I thought Adnan looked really good. He bulked up and was sharp....only for LvG to crap on him.
Exactly, Januzaj does bear some of the responsability for his lack of progress since his breakthrough season but his plight was not helped at all by Van Gaal's treatment of him. (injuries also played a part)
I have this suspicion that he asked for the loan after he realized he wasn't in LvG's plans. Or maybe LvG told him so? But he looked sharp in preseason. I don't think he was a LvG type of player (like Herrera) and was outcast. I'm not saying the kid will make it but I don't think he was given a fair shake these past two years.
It didn't help that LvG insisted on playing Januzaj at striker his first year in charge which is obviously not his best position. He still managed to shit all over Bartra in that preseason game against Barca.
A focused, motivated Januzaj that makes solid decisions could be huge. He's still an excellent dribbler and in an impact sub role or in rotation, he could get back on track.
This is the beauty of a year with an international tournament. There is virtually no downtime from the end of the season to the start of the new one for the fans. Basically a month before the season officially begins when competitive football ends.