When are the Reds due back at Carrington?

Carrington may be a quiet place at the moment, unusually, but it will be a hive of activity again once next month arrives.

We can confirm that the first players are due back in early July, as Erik ten Hag and his coaches put them through their paces in preparation for the pre-season fixtures.

Lisandro Martinez has posted on social media to suggest he is making good progress from his foot injury, while Donny van de Beek managed to get back out on the grass before last term was out, as he recovers from a knee operation.

Antony and Anthony Martial both missed the Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City due to injury, but will hope to be fit again when training resumes at our base.

A second batch of Erik's squad will return around two weeks later, as they are to be afforded a welcome break following their international commitments. After a marathon campaign, which incorporated the winter World Cup in Qatar, the latest round of European Championship qualifiers, Africa Cup of Nations ties and friendlies have provided more minutes on the pitch for a number of our players.

The two-staged return has been a feature in the past, particularly around major tournaments, and it will mean the manager can assess his squad with a trip to Norwegian capital Oslo first on the agenda, on 12 July, as our rivals from across the Pennines, Leeds United, provide the opposition.

It has already been communicated that Tour 2023, in the United States, should present some opportunities for Academy prospects, particularly in the friendly against League Two side Wrexham in San Diego on 25 July, in addition to the key players striving for fitness and sharpness before the Premier League gets under way for the Reds on 14 August.

Wolverhampton Wanders are first up in a Monday night kick-off at Old Trafford.