Rashford, Mainoo join Man Utd pre-season squad for Ireland tour

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and England teammate Kobbie Mainoo joined eight other players for the club’s pre-season tour in the Republic of Ireland. The group reported to the Carrington training ground on Sunday morning and flew to Dublin on a private jet alongside Matheus Cunha, Matthijs de Ligt, Benjamin Sesko, Senne Lammens, Karl Darlow, JJ Gabriel and Tynan Thompson. Lisandro Martinez, who played for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, has not yet reported.

The tour signals United’s preparations for the 2026/2027 season after a World Cup break, with several internationals returning to integrate with the squad. Martinez’s absence raises questions about his availability for early fixtures, while the inclusion of newer signings like Cunha and Sesko shows the club’s ongoing squad reshaping.

Fans can expect the team to play friendly matches in Ireland before returning to England for further pre‑season preparations. Will the early integration of these World Cup players give United a tactical edge, or will Martinez’s delayed return affect defensive stability?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/09/pre-season-rashford-eight-others-join-man-utd-squad/