Manchester United are planning their pre-season tour for the summer, with manager Erik ten Hag considering the feedback from players regarding the gruelling experience of the previous year. The team traveled extensively during the last pre-season, playing matches in multiple countries in a short span of time. However, the results were not as expected, with United winning only four out of eight games and facing defeats against teams like Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund. In response to complaints from players like Christian Eriksen about the excessive traveling, United will scale back the amount of traveling during the upcoming pre-season tour.
United has announced five fixtures for the summer of 2024, which include matches against Rosenborg, Rangers, Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool. While the team will still be traveling to different locations, ten Hag has assured that the schedule will be less strenuous on the players compared to last year. The focus of the pre-season tour will be on preparing the team for the upcoming season by working on structures, playing styles, and team dynamics. The manager emphasized the importance of utilizing the pre-season period effectively to set the tone for the season ahead.
The pre-season tour will involve air travel but will also include longer stays at base camps to reduce the constant moving around. Players who are part of important international tournaments like Euro 2024 or Copa America will join the team later, as these tournaments run until mid-July. This change in approach reflects United’s commitment to prioritizing player well-being and performance, taking into account the feedback from previous experiences. The players’ physical and mental readiness for the new season is a key consideration in planning the pre-season tour.
Christian Eriksen was among the players who voiced concerns about the heavy travel schedule during the last pre-season tour. He highlighted the challenges of playing multiple games in various locations within a short period and expressed the need for a more balanced approach. The team faced disappointment in some matches despite putting up strong performances, indicating the toll taken by the demanding travel arrangements. Eriksen’s feedback and similar sentiments from other players have led to a reevaluation of the pre-season plans to ensure a more optimized and player-friendly experience.
The upcoming pre-season tour will still feature matches against strong opponents but with a more calculated approach to minimize the exhaustion and impact on the players. The focus will remain on using the pre-season period effectively to fine-tune the team’s strategies and build cohesion among the players. While travel is an unavoidable aspect of pre-season preparations, United’s shift towards a more balanced and strategic itinerary reflects a commitment to creating an environment that allows players to perform at their best. By considering player feedback and implementing changes based on past experiences, United aims to ensure a productive and successful pre-season tour leading into the new season.
