Nineteen-year-old defender Will Fish was set to join Manchester United’s pre-season squad in Australia after Axel Tuanzebe departed due to personal issues. Just two weeks ago, United announced that the England U19 stalwart had signed a new long-term contract until June 2025.
Manager Erik ten Hag has already spent time with Fish during the first week of training at Carrington. Fans may question why fellow academy prospect, Teden Mengi, hasn’t received the call-up after playing at a higher level than Fish last season. Although unconfirmed, Mengi could be on the cusp of leaving on loan again this summer.
Even with Harry Maguire’s slight knock likely to keep him on the bench, match minutes may be sparse for Fish. Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane will enjoy the lion's share of game time. Fish’s introduction, however, ensures Ten Hag has a natural centre-back in Fish rather than the make-shift deployment of Alex Telles against Liverpool.
