Who is next off the production line?

The Reds are already preparing for the pre-season schedule, including Tour 2024, presented by Snapdragon, with a number of players being put through their paces at Carrington.

This time of year is always an exciting one, with a sense of optimism and anticipation, and the manager has told club media, in our exclusive interview, that he is ready to discover which youthful members of his squad are next in line to make their mark at the top level.

"In every season, after a break, you will have surprises," admitted Ten Hag. "We’re looking forward, we’re so curious: who is it this season, the surprise who can contribute to our team?

"Like last year, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho coming up and playing a big role. They are the two goalscorers in the [Emirates FA Cup] final.

"Today, we started [training], but which player is there who can do the same?"

Mainoo and Garnacho both graduated from the FA Youth Cup-winning team of 2022 with flying colours, and have nailed down regular spots in the squad.

Kobbie made his full Premier League debut against Everton in November and went on to feature in every game since starting the 0-0 draw with Liverpool a month later. Alejandro was in every starting XI from the Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle in early November until the end of the season.

Both have become key figures under Ten Hag and are currently representing their countries at Euro 2024 and Copa America.

WHEN ARE UNITED NEXT IN ACTION?

The Reds will return to the pitch on 15 July, when we face Rosenborg in Trondheim for our first pre-season game. Following a friendly against Rangers at Murrayfield, Edinburgh on 20 July, we'll fly out to the United States for Tour 2024, presented by Snapdragon, comprising three clashes with Arsenal (Los Angeles, 27 July), Real Betis (San Diego, 31 July) and Liverpool (Columbia, 3 August). You can buy tickets for all of our pre-season games here, subject to availability.