Reds return for pre-season training

Erik ten Hag and his coaching team are preparing for our first friendly, next Wednesday's game against Leeds United in Oslo.

Our cameras were in place at Carrington to capture the moments when the Reds reported for duty, ready for the traditional hard work at this time of the year.

Those involved in the end-of-season internationals have, obviously, been granted extra time off to recuperate but there were plenty of familiar faces to greet.

Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez is, as previously reported, training again after his absence following an operation on his foot, while Donny van de Beek is enjoying a first full session with the main group, on the grass.

Brazilians Fred and Antony posed for a photo and Mason Mount got familiarised with his new surroundings, after completing his move from Chelsea on Wednesday.

Goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson were also present, with the latter having spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

A number of other loanees are back at base, including Amad (Sunderland), Alvaro Fernandez (Preston North End), Will Fish (Hibernian), Hannibal (Birmingham City), Matej Kovar (Sparta Prague), Charlie Savage (Forest Green Rovers) and Shola Shoretire (Bolton Wanderers). Each is back here boosted by a wide range of experiences during their spells away from the club.

Defenders Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams, plus forwards Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, were also involved, as the manager will already be thinking about his plans for the pre-season campaign.

The players did testing and screening in the morning before a session in the gym. An outdoor stint on the training pitch followed in the afternoon.

Obviously, the Academy was well represented with numerous youthful faces, including FA Youth Cup-winning captain Rhys Bennett.

Look out for more updates from Carrington as we count down to getting back in action next week.