Benjamin Šeško’s return to full fitness headlines a high-stakes camp in Ireland, as Lisandro Martínez recovers and Marcus Rashford reintegrates into Michael Carrick’s evolving squad.
Manchester United are putting the finishing touches on their preparations as Michael Carrick's squad spends a week in Ireland for a pre-season training camp.
Having already faced off against Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, so far this summer, and ties against both Leeds United and Rúben Amorim's AC Milan to come, the squad are heading into a big campaign across 2026/27.
While only 40 fixtures came on United's calendar last season, the reintroduction of Champions League football, along with the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and 38 Premier League games, will see the squad tested to the brink across the next 10 months.
United's official YouTube channel released footage of Tuesday's training session, which included the latest on the likes of Benjamin Šeško, Lisandro Martínez, and Marcus Rashford.
Šeško back in full training
One topic of discussion that has rumbled on across pre-season is that Šeško is yet to appear. Bryan Mbeumo has been playing most of the games up front, and has looked sharp against Atleti and PSG.
However, in the latest training video, the tall Slovenian can be seen back in training with the group. It starts with some simple kick-ups and running drills, but later in the video, he can be seen striking an emphatic finish during a possession-based drill.
Toward the end, he can also be seen working on his hold-up play alongside Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, and Rashford, suggesting his return to fitness and full strength is close.
Martínez ready for return
Another great sight to see was the return of Martínez. The centre-back caused worries last month when he had to be substituted just before half-time in the World Cup final.
However, in the fresh training video, he can be seen with the full group initially in the gym and then in the outfield, suggesting that there are no lingering injury issues.
While it's not a certainty that Martínez will start the season in the starting XI due to a lack of minutes in pre-season, there is little doubt that a fit Butcher could have a season-defining impact on the Reds under Carrick.
Rashford reintegrating into a comfortable group
Rashford's return to United has caused a stir. While the relationship felt over when he was banished from Amorim's squad 18 months ago, an unexpected turn of events has seen the winger reintegrated into United's first-team squad under Carrick.
Following the World Cup, Rashford has returned to the squad for the training camp in Ireland, and when looking at the groups he's training in, it's clear that the club staff are trying to make his reintegration as smooth as possible.
As part of team relay exercises, Rashford was spotted in a group with Kobbie Mainoo, Fernandes, Shea Lacey, and Martínez, all of whom he knows well. This was no doubt to help Rashford become familiar with his surroundings once again.
