Five things spotted in United training
Manchester United's pre-season preparations are officially up and running.
Several members of the squad reported back to the club's Carrington training base earlier this week to start work on their preparations ahead of the forthcoming campaign. Those that have not yet returned to the training ground have been granted an extended summer break after being in international action in June and will return later this month.
After a successful maiden campaign under manager Erik ten Hag's stewardship, the Reds will be hoping to kick-on in 2023/24 and build on the success they achieved last season. United will open their pre-season account with a trip to Oslo next Wednesday to take on Leeds United.
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That will mark the first of seven friendlies that the first team are scheduled to fulfil ahead of the Premier League opener against Wolves on August 14. The clash with Leeds could also mark new signing Mason Mount's first outing in United colours after he joined the club earlier this week.
Mount finalised his switch to Old Trafford on Wednesday and wasted no time in pulling up his sleeves and cracking straight on with pre-season preparations. With that said, MEN Sport has taken a close look at five things that we spotted during Thursday's training session at Carrington.
Edwin van der Sar in hospital after brain haemorrhage
Edwin van der Sar is in intensive care after being taken to hospital on Friday afternoon following a bleed on the brain. The former United goalkeeper is in a stable condition, Ajax confirmed.
Dutch media reported Van der Sar suffered a cerebral haemorrhage while on holiday in Croatia and is now in hospital in Split. Ajax confirmed the news on Twitter and sent their best wishes to Van der Sar.
Their statement said: "On Friday, Edwin van der Sar has had a bleeding around his brain. He’s currently in hospital in the intensive care unit and is in a stable condition. Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow. Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you."