Manchester United have received a timely fitness boost after confirming that Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez have rejoined the squad at their pre-season training camp in the Republic of Ireland.
The trio linked up with their team-mates in Dublin on Sunday, giving head coach Michael Carrick a fuller group to work with as United continue their preparations for the upcoming campaign. Mainoo had been given an extended break following his involvement with England at the World Cup, where the Three Lions finished third earlier in the summer. Despite the late return, the midfielder appears to have used the time off productively and looks set to begin his pre-season programme in good physical condition.
Carrick, speaking after United's draw against Paris Saint-Germain, addressed questions about Rashford's return to the fold, revealing a personal connection with the forward that dates back to the early days of his career.
"I've played with him. I played in the game he made his debut, so we have a history," Carrick said.
The United boss also confirmed that the club now has its full complement of players together in Dublin for the first time this pre-season.
"We have got a full squad this week in Dublin. We fly straight there and have a few days where we have the whole group back together," Carrick added. "Marcus is part of that, and Kobbie and Lisandro. We look forward to seeing them."
Alongside the return of Rashford, Mainoo and Martinez, United have also confirmed further additions to the group in Ireland. Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt has arrived at the camp as he continues his recovery from back surgery undergone earlier this year. Meanwhile, striker Benjamin Sesko, who joined United in the transfer window, has also linked up with the squad, along with goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who completed a move from Leeds last month.
Both Sesko and Darlow had missed every pre-season fixture so far but are reported to be on track to be available for United's opening game of the new campaign. Their arrival in Dublin represents another step forward in their respective integrations into Carrick's squad ahead of the season getting underway.
In addition to the senior recruits, United have also confirmed the arrivals of academy prospect JJ Gabriel and highly-rated young winger Tynan Thompson, both of whom have travelled to join the group in Ireland as part of the club's broader pre-season plans.
With the squad now largely assembled, Carrick will be eager to use the remaining days in Dublin to build fitness and cohesion among his players before United's competitive fixtures resume. The return of key figures such as Rashford, Mainoo and Martinez, combined with the continued progress of new signings like De Ligt, Sesko and Darlow, gives the head coach a much stronger platform to work from as preparations intensify.
United's pre-season schedule has so far been used to assess fitness levels and integrate new arrivals, and the presence of a fuller squad in Ireland marks a significant moment in that process. Attention will now turn to how quickly the returning players can regain full sharpness, as well as how soon Sesko and Darlow can make their first pre-season appearances for the club.
Based on reporting from Standard Football (Press Association).