Sesko and De Ligt Boost Manchester United Before Season Start
Manchester United’s final week of Premier League preparations has been lifted by the sight of Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt back in full training – just hours before the new campaign gets underway.
For De Ligt, this was more than a routine session. It was a milestone. The Dutch defender completed his first full group workout since undergoing back surgery in May, an operation that followed the injury he picked up last November. Since 30 November he has been missing from United’s matchday plans and, cruelly, from the World Cup finals as well.
Last week in Dublin he managed only the opening 15 minutes of a team session before stepping out. This time he stayed. He trained. He finished. For the coaching staff, that alone changes the mood around their defensive options.
Sesko’s return carried a different kind of energy. The forward had sat out all of pre-season’s matches while recovering from a lower leg problem, but on Tuesday morning he cut a sharp figure on the grass, finally able to join the full group after weeks of individual work over the summer.
Inside the club, there is growing optimism that he could be involved against Hull City next Saturday, when United open their Premier League season. The injury that ruled him out of the final three games of last season is now behind him, and his movement in training suggested a player ready to re-enter the competition for attacking places.
Mount Sidelined – But Only Briefly, United Hope
One key figure was missing. Mason Mount did not take part in the session after suffering a bruise from a stamp on his foot in the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in Stockholm.
The knock has already cost him game time. Mount sat out the final friendlies under Michael Carrick against Leeds United and Milan, prompting questions over his availability heading into the new campaign.
Club sources, cited by British outlet “The Sun”, stressed that his absence remains precautionary rather than a sign of a more serious setback. United are determined not to risk the midfielder before competitive action begins in earnest.
Transfer Plans Still Active as Deadline Nears
While the medical room starts to clear, the recruitment drive continues. United still intend to bring in new faces before the summer window shuts, with at least two further signings on the agenda.
Left-back is a clear priority. Several options are under review, but Lewis Hall has emerged as the preferred choice among the management as they look to deepen and refresh that side of the defence.
The club also want a high-profile defensive midfielder to anchor the centre of the pitch, complementing new arrivals Youri Tielemans and Andre Santos. The idea is simple: greater protection in front of the back line, more control in big games, and a stronger spine for the months ahead.
Fit-again stars on the training pitch, targets still in play off it. United enter the opening weekend with momentum building – and just enough unresolved questions to make the rest of this window decisive.
