As many as seven players could miss the start of Manchester United’s pre-season, with two being given ‘special permission’ by head coach Ruben Amorim.
Amorim, 40, will welcome his Man United squad back on Monday (July 7) after a much-needed summer break, having finished the 2024/25 campaign in 15th place in the Premier League as well as losing the Europa League final 1-0 against Spurs in May.
United have already completed two summer transfers with Brazil international Matheus Cunha arriving from Wolves for £62.5m and Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon joining from Cerro Porteno for a reported £2.9m plus another £3.6m based on performance-related bonuses.
And there will likely be several high-profile outgoings from Old Trafford this summer.
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Last week, The Athletic reported that Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia had been given special permission to return to pre-season training later than their peers.
Sources reportedly told the outlet that all five had told the club that they wanted to leave United, but some denied this.
The Sun also reports that Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes have been given special permission to return to pre-season late following the death of their Portugal teammate Diogo Jota.
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However, this has not been confirmed by the club or the players at this time.
Both Fernandes and Dalot were present at Jota’s funeral, which took place in Portugal on Saturday.
Reports from Manchester World suggest that the duo have been given the full week off, while other internationals are expected to return to training on Thursday.
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Following Jota’s death, Fernandes posted a heartfelt statement to his Instagram story.
He wrote: “Friend, colleague and comrade through many battles
“It is difficult to understand how it is possible that someone could leave so soon.
“May you and your brother find the peace you need to look after those you lost so soon and suddenly.
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“My condolences to your whole family.”
United kick off pre-season on July 19 when they face Leeds United in Stockholm, Sweden, before taking part in the Premier League Summer Series with matches in the US against West Ham (July 27), Bournemouth (July 31) and Everton (August 3).
The Red Devils then face Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9 before getting their Premier League campaign started at home against Arsenal on August 17.
Topics: Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota, Diogo Dalot
Luke Davies