Man United land in New York and fly direct from Scotland for the next step in their preparation, after ditching 35-year-old Jonny Evans at the academy… leaving Fred with a ‘personal problem’
The Manchester United squad has arrived in New York for their pre-season tour of the US.
The Red Devils recorded a 1-0 friendly win against Lyon in Edinburgh on Wednesday, with forgotten man Donny van de Beek securing victory with a well-taken volley in the second half, while Jonny Evans made his second debut for the club after signing a short-term deal.
The players then headed straight to Edinburgh to catch a flight to the US, where they will play four pre-season games before the end of the month, but Evans was unable to attend after being transferred to the academy squad.
Evans returned to United on Tuesday eight years after leaving the club and will now be with the academy group in San Diego.
Brazil midfielder Fred was also not on United’s flight because he was left with a ‘personal problem’.
Jonny Evans did not travel with the first team after being dropped from the academy squad
Fred was also absent from the flight to the US as he is dealing with a ‘personal issue’
Bruno Fernandes (bottom) poses for a photo with Casemiro (center left), Lisandro Martinez (center), Antony (center right), and Diogo Dalot (top)
Harry Maguire (left) and Mason Mount (right) were both in high spirits as they boarded
Mount posed for a photo with Dean Henderson, who faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford
While waiting to take off from the Scottish capital, stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez all posed for group photos on the plane.
The trio could all compete to replace Harry Maguire as United’s long-term captain after the England international confirmed on Sunday that he no longer has the armband in a social media post.
Despite the uncertainty about his future, Maguire appeared in high spirits as he boarded the plane with international teammate Mason Mount, who later posed for a photo with goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Henderson is another player linked with a move this summer, and Nottingham Forest are keen to re-sign him.
Exciting prospects Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo were also pictured stepping on the run, with the youngsters looking to prove they can be part of Erik ten Hag’s first-team plans for the upcoming season.
Hours later, the United team landed in the US and were greeted by eager fans waiting to meet their heroes.
Fernandes, Antony and Christian Eriksen all stopped to greet fans and pose for photos with them as they made their way through the airfield.
Amad Diallo (above) hopes to prove his worth on United’s pre-season tour of the US
United youngster Kobbie Mainoo (above) is also hoping to seize his chance to impress
Fernandes signs a memorabilia for a fan after United arrives in the US
Christian Eriksen poses for a photo with a fan after United landed in the United States
The team could soon be joined by another player, with Andre Onana closing in on completing his move from Inter Milan for £43 million.
United have a quick turnaround after arriving in the US as they face Premier League rivals Arsenal on Saturday.
They next play Wrexham, the League Two club of Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, before ending their tour with tough tests against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
The Ten Hag men will then return to the UK for friendlies against Lens and Athletic Bilbao before kicking off their league campaign when they host Wolves on August 14.