MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly considering a secret friendly just days before the Premier League season kicks off.
United travelled to Asia in a bizarre post-season tour in May before games in Europe and America throughout the summer.
ReutersMan Utd are reportedly considering a secret friendly just days before Prem season kicks off[/caption]
Fiorentina’s trip to Old Trafford over the weekend looked to be United’s final game before kicking off their Prem season against Arsenal.
But according to The Times, the club are exploring the viability of a behind-closed-doors friendly against a local rival this week.
It would give new £74million signing Benjamin Sesko more “real world” training as he begins life in England.
Manager Ruben Amorim also has a goalkeeping decision to make.
Andre Onana is still out with a hamstring injury and faces missing the opening match of the season at Old Trafford on Sunday.
So Amorim may have to call upon Altay Bayindir – who is unproven with just FOUR appearances in the Prem.
But a friendly in private would give the United boss the chance to test out Onana’s fitness.
United have been linked with signing a new keeper this summer – with Emi Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma among those considered.
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Martinez appeared to wave goodbye to Aston Villa fans at the end of last season with his eyes on a move away.
Meanwhile Donnarumma has just one year left on his PSG deal and does not look likely to extend it – with the French champions ready to sell.
But United have spent £210million on three new forwards this summer and will need to now sell in order to add to their squad.
United signed Andre Onana in 2023 from Inter Milan for £47m after David de Gea was not offered a new deal.
De Gea later joined Fiorentina and returned to the Theatre of Dreams for a friendly – and backed United to turn things around this season.
He said: “Sometimes this is football, you can’t win all the time.
“I know it’s been some years that United struggle a bit but it’s one of the best clubs in the world.
“It’s a massive club and hopefully this year with the new signings and the manager starting a new era they can do something big and that’s it.
“Hopefully this year they can win something and be there where they deserve.”
ReutersDavid de Gea returned to Old Trafford in pre season[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
