Man UtD’s training camp has started and with a host of players, coaches and staff gathered around the Ciampsino Stadium in central Rome for the first session of the pre-season, we have our first look at the players.
We have the squad, with several players who have been with the club since its inception in the late 1970s, and some of the new faces.
With the transfer window now open, we are now able to get a better idea of the squad’s future as the club looks to build on last season’s successes.
In the back of the field, there are several players from the last two seasons.
With so many names, it will be interesting to see how the squad develops.
The young, the talented, the old.
But there is one area where the team is still developing, in terms of the depth at left-back.
Forza Unido, as the new name for the team has been used in the past, has been the mainstay of the backline since his debut for the Under-20s.
He has played in three matches this season, with his first being a 1-0 win over Atalanta, with another coming in the friendly against Juventus.
A new signing, a player who was previously a player in the Under 21s, was named in the starting line-up as a 20-year-old last year.
The team also received a few new faces in the squad with the addition of Giorgio Cattani, who has represented Italy at Under-21 level and also spent time at the Under 20 World Cup in Japan.
Cattani has been at the club for a few years now, having played for the Italian national team at Under 20 level.
He was a key member of the Under 19 side that won the Under 18 European Championship, scoring the winning goal in a 1–0 win against France in the last 16.
He has a lot of experience and he is also a great player who can get forward and score goals, but he is a bit more physical and more intelligent than some of his fellow players.
His speed makes him an excellent player to try and exploit.
He can also play as a holding midfielder, or he can also be a central midfielder in the mould of Andrea Pirlo, who he played with at Juventus.
Cate is a good addition for the club, a good defender and a player with the qualities to be one of the best in the division.
I am sure that the new signing will contribute in the right way.
I know that we have a good squad and a great spirit and that we are going to give our best to get ready for the pre season.