Manchester United has landed in the United States for their Summer Series as the club gears up for the upcoming season.
The Red Devils will kick off their Summer Series campaign with a match against West Ham on Sunday morning, following their recent 0-0 draw against Leeds in Stockholm, which marked the beginning of their pre-season friendlies.
Head coach Ruben Amorim faces a challenging season ahead after a rocky first six months at the helm of Manchester United.
With the competitive campaign on the horizon, Amorim has strengthened his squad with three new players, including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom are anticipated to feature in the match against West Ham in New Jersey.
Amorim is hopeful that all players return from their brief summer break in good condition, especially after a turbulent previous campaign.
Youth player Leny Yoro shared that he has been intensifying his training with Kobbie Mainoo over the summer to stay fit and continue developing.
In addition to training and matches, United’s pre-season tour is packed with commercial commitments, leaving little downtime for the players.
The main objective for Amorim is to prioritize fitness and tactical preparation over promotional activities, focusing on ensuring his squad is well-prepared for the season without facing significant setbacks.
Last summer proved challenging for United, with several players suffering long-term injuries, including Mainoo, which contributed to the team’s struggles throughout the campaign and a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League.
Given these previous issues, it is essential for Amorim that key players maintain their fitness throughout pre-season.
As part of the tour, Manchester United is documenting their experiences in a series of diaries on ManUtd.com, allowing fans an inside look at Amorim, his players, and the coaching staff.
The team trained at the Chicago Fire’s training ground on Wednesday, where Amorim and his coaching staff led a session focused on passing drills and two-touch games.
During the training, Amorim took a moment to reconnect with Chicago Fire assistant coach Filipe Celikkaya, who has known him since their school days in Lisbon.
Celikkaya, now 40 years old, has a background working with Sporting CP’s youth teams while Amorim was securing titles in Portugal.
His coaching experience spans notable clubs including Benfica, Al-Ahli, Almada, Sporting, Chaves, Vitoria Guimaraes, and Shakhtar Donetsk, making his role at Chicago Fire significant.
The effort Amorim made to meet with Celikkaya suggests a mutual respect, highlighting the value he places on collaborations with fellow coaches.
Additionally, the pre-season diary features an inspiring quote from an unnamed United academy player, who expressed awe at the scale of experience in the United States, saying, “I can’t believe how big it is here.”
This tour presents an excellent opportunity for youth players to display their talent, and hopefully, some will seize the moment to earn a chance in the first-team lineup next season.
image source from：unitedinfocus
