What shape are Man Utd in ahead of Carrick’s first full season?published at 12:25 BST
12:25 BST
Simon Stone
BBC Sport Manchester United reporter
Michael Carrick was confirmed as Manchester United’s permanent head coach on 22 May and has just concluded his first pre-season with the club.
There are a lot of positives for Carrick to take from a pre-season of five weeks and six games.
Two wins, two draws and two defeats might look average, but the benefits are clear.
There is huge potential in midfielder Andrey Santos for a start. One of three players – Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were the others – to start every game, the 22-year-old, £48m summer arrival from Chelsea impressed with his ability to rotate the ball, his positional discipline and communication.
Like Carrick himself, there is an assurance about Manchester United’s other major signing, Youri Tielemans, that should spread through the team. There are already signs his link-up with skipper Bruno Fernandes could prove productive.
It was the energised and impactful version of Bryan Mbeumo from the first half of last season that has been on view, rather than the tired one that returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Heaven impressed in defence, Leny Yoro also, particularly at right-back. Amad Diallo did well in flashes when he returned from World Cup duty. The same is true of Shea Lacey, the 19-year-old academy star who clearly needs to be eased in gradually, but of whom so much is expected.