Manchester United begin their pre-season training on July 8th, as players not involved in either Copa America or Euros return to ramp up preparations for the new season.

While it’s a line that’s parroted every season, this pre-season truly is the start of a new era due to the changes happening in and around the club.

United are set to start pre-season with a new-look coaching staff, a new executive team, some concrete steps towards new signings, and exciting academy youngsters.

However, there is still some legacy from the old era set to confront United on July 8th and there is a sense of urgency about dealing with the same.

“Impatient” Mason Greenwood wants quick solution

The Mirror reports that Mason Greenwood is growing “increasingly impatient” as he has failed to secure a move away from the club so far.

The forward is reportedly insisting on his future being sorted in the next week, which is when United play their first pre-season game, against Rosenborg on July 15th.

There has been plenty of interest in his services, with Lazio and Olympique Marseille at the top of the pops when it comes to putting actual offers in.

However, neither has been able to meet United’s asking price while Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also tried to strengthen the club’s hand in negotiations by saying the door for his return is open.

Still, it remains unlikely that Greenwood ever pulls up a United shirt again, let alone play for the club so that leaves both parties in an awkward situation from July 8.

If he doesn’t report back for pre-season, that gives the game away for potentially interested parties as they can then lowball United, sensing desperation.

That is something United will need to address immediately with the clock ticking for a return to pre-season training. Donny van de Beek’s move has been sealed already with one eye undoubtedly on that date as well.

Situation not limited to Greenwood

United are navigating this tricky situation with more than just Mason Greenwood. Jadon Sancho has also fallen out with Erik ten Hag and any hopes of a return were quashed when the Dutchman signed his contract extension.

The pair are unlikely to be celebrating the thought of a reunion on July 8 after the player’s acrimonious departure so sorting his future out is as much a priority as Greenwood’s.

United have reportedly set a similar deadline for his departure as well and need to act before they are faced with the possibility of either axing them from the first-team, thereby tanking their value, or take a humble sip for the sake of the club.

It is not yet clear which direction they take but unless the future of these two players is sorted, that cloud will continue to hang over the new era.

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