The Red Devils have enjoyed largely positive results over the summer as they look to put their disastrous 2024-25 campaign behind them

Ruben Amorim promised Manchester United fans at the end of last season that “the good times are coming”, and looking at the club’s encouraging pre-season, it is tempting to believe him. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe painting a grim financial picture and with no European football to offer potential new players, United have been very active in the transfer market, splashing out over £200 million ($270m) on three signings to make them the highest net spenders in the Premier League so far this transfer window.

United now have a brand-new front three consisting of two of the top 10 highest scorers in the Premier League last season in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, while Benjamin Sesko is the most prolific player under the age of 23 in Europe’s top five leagues over the last two years. 

Results have been good too, with United remaining unbeaten in their five pre-season matches, four of which were against Premier League opposition.  Arsenal will provide the real test of the progress the Red Devils have made when they visit Old Trafford on the opening day of the season next Sunday, but there are plenty of reasons to think that United not repeat their previous, shambolic campaign and will be able to compete for a top-five finish.

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Manchester United’s pre-season…