Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt boost Manchester United preparations

Manchester United have received a timely boost with Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt returning to full team training just hours before the Premier League season begins.

The pair’s involvement provides manager Michael Carrick with encouragement during the final stage of preparations, although neither player’s availability for the opening match has been confirmed.

De Ligt completed a full training session for the first time since undergoing back surgery in May. The Netherlands defender had suffered the injury in November last year and has not played for Manchester United since 30 November.

He was limited to the opening 15 minutes of a training session in Dublin last week, but was able to take part in the entire workout on Tuesday.

De Ligt also missed the World Cup finals during his extended period on the sidelines. His return to full training represents a significant step forward as United prepare for their first league fixture of the campaign.

Sesko, meanwhile, has been absent from United’s preparations after sustaining a lower-leg injury. However, there is growing optimism within the club that the striker could be included in the squad to face Hull City on Saturday in the opening game of the season.

The forward impressed during Tuesday morning’s session after spending several periods of the summer completing individual work on the grass. He has now moved beyond the injury that ruled him out of United’s final three matches last season.

United were without midfielder Mason Mount during the same training session. Mount suffered a bruise after his foot was stood on during the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in Stockholm.

Sources at the club told The Sun that Mount’s absence was precautionary. He had also missed United’s final pre-season friendlies under Carrick, against Leeds United and Milan.

The club continue to work on strengthening the squad before the summer transfer window closes. Manchester United are aiming to complete at least two more signings, with the left-back position one of the areas being reviewed.

Lewis Hall is understood to be the preferred option for that role. United also want to add a prominent defensive midfielder to improve their physical and defensive strength alongside new arrivals Yuri Tielemans and Andre Santos.

The returns of Sesko and De Ligt therefore come at an important point in the club’s preparations. Sesko’s progress could influence the options available in attack for the visit of Hull City, while De Ligt’s latest involvement offers further encouragement after months recovering from injury.

United will continue to assess both players before deciding whether either will feature in the squad for Saturday’s opener.