Five things spotted in Manchester United training as stars return but key figures absent

Manchester United welcomed their international contingent back to their Carrington training base on Saturday morning, signalling the beginning of the next phase of their pre-season preparations.

Those who were on international duty last month were granted an extended summer break before reporting back for the start of pre-season. The likes of Luke Shaw, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho all returned.

Members of United's squad who were not on international duty last month reported back to Carrington just over a week ago and took part in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Leeds United in the Reds' pre-season opener in Norway. Boss Erik ten Hag fielded two different XIs, making wholesale changes at half-time, with the youthful XI that played in the second half getting the goals to seal the win.

United are in action again this coming Wednesday, facing French side Lyon in Edinburgh, before jetting off to the USA for the start of their pre-season tour.

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Ten Hag got the chance to see his key players back on the grass for the first time on Saturday, along with a plethora of youngsters. MEN Sport has taken a close look at five things we spotted during the latest session at Carrington.

After spending the first week or so on the training ground working with fewer senior players than he would have liked, Ten Hag welcomed some of his big-name players back to Carrington on Saturday. After taking part in a gym session, they then made their way outside onto the grass to work both with and without