United arrange extra match to boost player fitness

Manchester United are planning to organise a behind-closed-doors friendly this week in a bid to sharpen up Benjamin Sesko and Andre Onana ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal.

The Red Devils kick off the 2025/26 season at Old Trafford on Sunday against Mikel Arteta’s side.

United wrapped up their official pre-season schedule with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina on Saturday, having earlier faced Leeds United, West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton.

Speaking after the Fiorentina match, manager Ruben Amorim said he already had an idea of his starting XI for the Arsenal clash but urged players to show determination in training to potentially “change his mind.”

The extra friendly — likely to be played against a nearby opponent — is intended to give Sesko and Onana valuable competitive minutes before the campaign begins, according to The Times