Manchester United resume their Premier League campaign this afternoon with a trip to face newly-promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Ruben Amorim’s side enter the match as clear favourites against their opponents who secured promotion back to the top flight during the close season.
The fixture marks the beginning of what promises to be a demanding schedule for the Old Trafford outfit, with the club’s return to Champions League competition meaning they will be competing across four different tournaments throughout the campaign.
Several players have been working their way back to full fitness at the club’s Carrington training complex as the squad prepares for the encounter.
Benjamin Sesko has not featured since the final day victory over Liverpool in May, when the striker collided with the perimeter advertising boards during the celebrations of that result.
The forward has returned to full training this week and Amorim confirmed on Thursday that he is available for selection.
The head coach expressed satisfaction at having Sesko back among the group and indicated he would look to build up his match sharpness gradually.
The Slovenia international is expected to be ready for involvement from August 22 onwards.
Karl Darlow arrived at the club during the summer transfer window carrying a pre-existing injury concern that prevented him from taking any part in the pre-season schedule.
The experienced goalkeeper has resumed training this week and the head coach stated he is now in contention for Saturday’s match.
Amorim reported that Darlow has completed his preparations without issue and appears in good condition ahead of the trip to East Yorkshire.
Matthijs de Ligt has been absent since sustaining a back problem during last season.
The Netherlands international initially appeared to have suffered only a minor complaint, though he subsequently required surgical intervention towards the end of the campaign.
The defender was absent for the entirety of United’s summer preparations as a consequence.
Recent reports from the training ground suggest he has stepped up his rehabilitation, with Amorim providing encouraging news on Thursday regarding the centre-back’s progress.
The Dutchman has been participating in on-field work and the head coach described his situation as moving in the right direction.
However, De Ligt will not feature in today’s match and remains a doubt for immediate selection.
Mason Mount sustained a knock during the friendly encounter with Paris Saint-Germain that has kept him unavailable since that contest.
When questioned about the midfielder’s status, Amorim stated he harboured no significant concerns.
The England international has been managing his recovery carefully, with the problem described as minor in nature and dating back approximately ten days.
Amorim acknowledged that Mount has encountered periods without football in recent seasons but emphasised his desire to maintain fitness once he returns to action.
The head coach indicated the player should be available again very shortly, with August 30 against Ipswich Town pencilled in as a potential comeback date.
Tom Heaton was forced to leave the field during the same PSG fixture after overextending his leg while attempting to make a clearance.
The veteran goalkeeper will undergo assessment to determine the precise extent of his hamstring problem.
Initial expectations suggest he will be unavailable for several weeks, with a potential return targeted around September 6 when Everton visit Old Trafford.
Manuel Ugarte faces the longest recovery timeline among the current list of absentees.
The Uruguay international suffered a knee ligament injury during his country’s World Cup defeat to Spain earlier this summer.
The midfielder was carried off on a stretcher during that contest and subsequently provided insight into the nature of his setback.