Bruno Fernandes Returns to Manchester United Training as World Cup Players Rejoin Squad and Benjamin Sesko Targets Injury Comeback

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has returned to the club’s Carrington training complex as the squad continues to rebuild towards full strength ahead of the new season. The Portuguese midfielder is among a group of players who have recently completed their post-World Cup break and are now back preparing under manager Michael Carrick.

Fernandes was joined by several other World Cup participants, including Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha. Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui has also resumed training after helping his national team reach the quarter-final stage of the tournament.

The return of these players represents an important step in United’s pre-season preparations, with Carrick gradually welcoming back his international stars following their extended involvement at the World Cup. The club is now moving closer to having a complete squad available as they continue preparations for the upcoming campaign.

During their first few days back at Carrington, Fernandes, Dalot, Cunha and Mazraoui will undergo individual physical evaluations and fitness checks. These assessments are designed to measure their condition after the tournament and determine how quickly they can return to full training intensity.

There is a possibility that some of the returning players could be included in Manchester United’s squad for their next pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on Saturday. However, the club will carefully evaluate their fitness levels before making final decisions.

Belgian players Senne Lammens and Youri Tielemans could also feature in that match. Both players returned to training the previous week, with Tielemans having recently completed a £35 million move to United. Their involvement would provide Carrick with additional options as he continues testing his squad before competitive fixtures begin.

One player whose availability remains uncertain is striker Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian forward has missed United’s opening three pre-season matches against Wrexham, Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid due to an ongoing shin problem.

United are currently waiting for further updates regarding Sesko’s condition. While there is hope that he could return soon, the club will not rush his comeback until medical staff are satisfied that he is ready to compete safely.

Sesko’s return would be a major boost for Carrick, who is looking to establish his attacking options ahead of the new season. The striker arrived with high expectations and is expected to play an important role in United’s forward line once fully fit.

The final group of World Cup players expected to return includes England midfield prospect Kobbie Mainoo, forward Marcus Rashford and Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez. Unlike the earlier returning players, they were involved later in the tournament and have therefore been given additional recovery time.

Mainoo and Rashford are expected to join the team during United’s training camp in Ireland, where the squad will also prepare for a friendly against Leeds United in Dublin.

Martinez will also link up with the squad in Ireland after Argentina’s World Cup campaign ended in the final against Spain. The defender suffered a thigh problem before half-time during that match, but United are not currently expecting the injury to cause major concerns.

The club is also monitoring Mainoo’s fitness after the midfielder missed England’s victory over France in the bronze medal match due to a back issue. Medical staff will assess both players once they return to training before determining their availability.

Before United’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in Stockholm, Carrick discussed the challenges of managing a squad affected by the World Cup schedule. He acknowledged that players involved in later stages of the competition naturally receive less time off because of their extended participation.

Carrick explained that several players were scheduled to return on Monday, with another group arriving the following week. He also joked that reaching the later stages of the World Cup meant having a shorter holiday period, something the players understood before leaving for the tournament.

The manager emphasized that the staggered return schedule is simply part of modern football, particularly after major international tournaments. United must carefully balance recovery and preparation to ensure players are ready for the demands of the season.

Meanwhile, midfielder Manuel Ugarte is following a separate recovery programme after undergoing surgery for a knee ligament injury. The Uruguay international returned to Carrington in mid-July and has been completing rehabilitation work as he continues his recovery.

Ugarte suffered the injury during Uruguay’s group-stage defeat against Spain at the World Cup. His rehabilitation is expected to take time, and United will continue to monitor his progress before deciding when he can return to team training.

The gradual return of United’s international players gives Carrick a clearer picture of the squad he will have available for the new campaign. With experienced leaders such as Fernandes returning alongside younger talents and new signings, the manager now has the opportunity to build greater chemistry within the team.

Pre-season matches will provide valuable opportunities for players to regain match fitness, develop tactical understanding and compete for starting positions. United’s coaching staff will use these fixtures to evaluate performances while ensuring players recover properly after their international commitments.

As the new season approaches, Manchester United are focused on achieving the right balance between preparation, fitness management and squad development. The return of key figures like Fernandes, Dalot, Cunha and Mazraoui is a significant boost, while the potential comeback of Sesko and other recovering players will further strengthen Carrick’s options.

With several important decisions still to be made regarding player fitness and selection, United’s final weeks of pre-season will be crucial in shaping their plans for the challenges ahead.