Manchester United's pre-season analysed: Joshua Zirkzee resurgent and Marcus Rashford reunited - but they still need a left-back

Manchester United ended their pre-season with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, and the question is what kind of condition they are in as they go into the new season?

Ahead of a special Sky Sports Manchester United Q&A taking place on Wednesday, our reporter Danyal Khan discusses the major talking points...

Mbeumo, Amad look recharged - Zirkzee too?

The good news for Michael Carrick and United is that two players, in particular, have stood out in pre-season.

Having perhaps looked a bit tired towards the end of last season, Carrick will be purring to see Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back to their electric selves in pre-season.

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Mbeumo has looked sharp in front of goal with Amad also appearing full of confidence after an impressive World Cup with Cote d'Ivoire in the summer.

One player who may have a new chapter at the club is Joshua Zirkzee. Although there is still a possibility his future could be away from Old Trafford, he's looked like a different Zirkzee to the one we've seen in previous seasons.

Albeit it is pre-season, could Zirkzee provide cover for Bruno Fernandes in the No 10 position?

He was particularly impressive in Dublin against Leeds at a sold-out Croke Park, and in his third season at the club it will be intriguing to see how Carrick uses the Dutchman - if his future is at United.

Why they need a left-back

One thing that has clearly stood out in pre-season is the development of their gameplan under Carrick and his staff.

It was quite clear watching them during his six-month spell last season that the team would largely defend on the edge of their own box. They were extremely solid and compact which underpinned some huge wins.

What we've seen in pre-season has been a deviation - or, perhaps, progression - from that. United are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition, especially to win the ball back quickly after a loss of possession.

They were slightly found out against Milan, with the press not quite sharp enough - the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

The game (although not wanting to exaggerate due to it still being pre-season!) was the perfect illustration of why United need to invest seriously in a left-back: not just because Luke Shaw will need to be rotated with the increased number of games that comes with European competition, but also due to the way United clearly want to play going forward.

They need serious recovery pace in the back-line for the times they do occasionally get caught out with this gameplan - but time is ticking to get any deal done.

Rashford - a topic that won't go away

Marcus Rashford has returned - and his future is a topic that will not go away until September's deadline passes.

It seemed an unlikely reunion after his loan spell at Barcelona, but from what I'm hearing Rashford has only been positive and enthusiastic about his return to the club.

Carrick also told us last week that Rashford is his player and he is looking forward to working with the forward going into the season, but there still seems to be doubt over whether the England man will remain in a United shirt.

Right now, he is expected to do so, but much will depend on the interest Rashford generates as the deadline approaches - and also what the player believes is right for his next challenge.

It is thought he would only leave for an elite-level club, but his current contact at United may mean it proves too difficult to organise a solution away from Old Trafford.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Manchester United's pre-season analysed: Joshua Zirkzee resurgent and Marcus Rashford reunited - but they still need a left-back