Harry Maguire said he was "shocked and gutted" after missing England's World Cup squad, and Manchester United return to pre-season training on Thursday without at least five players. The timing leaves Michael Carrick opening his first pre-season with a thinner group than he would have wanted, with the first friendly against Wrexham on Saturday, July 18.
Maguire's reaction
Maguire did not hide how hard the omission hit him. "I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had. I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision," he said.
He added: "I've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the best this summer."
It is a strong, very human quote, and it gives the story its edge. There is no pretending this is just a routine squad update. For Maguire, the blow is personal.
Carrick's first week back
United's return to work is already complicated. The club finished third in the Premier League on 71 points last season, so the expectations around Carrick's first full pre-season are not exactly modest.
At least five players are missing when training starts, and the list of absentees is tied to the World Cup build-up and injuries rather than summer laziness. Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez are among the names to watch as players report back, while Manuel Ugarte's ACL injury against Spain is expected to keep him out for a number of months.
There is also the question of how quickly players eliminated earlier in the tournament come back to Carrington. Some will report back immediately, others will not, and that is still being worked through behind the scenes.
The opening fixture list is not generous either. After Wrexham on July 18, the domestic campaign begins away to Hull City on Saturday, August 22. Carrick does not need a disaster to have an awkward start, just a few missing senior players and not much time to get the rhythm right.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →