Sesko is close to returning for Manchester United! De Ligt returns to training after 254 days, but still not ready to play.

Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United's center forward, collided with Konate and went out of play in the "Double Red" clash with Liverpool last season. The difference in grass height off the field led to him hitting an advertising board, resulting in a shin bone injury that kept him sidelined. This week, Carrick received positive news: the €85 million striker conducted full training in Ireland.

Sesko is still unlikely to play in Wednesday's friendly against Leeds United, but he might travel to Poland for the match against AC Milan on Saturday. If that happens, the 23-year-old Slovenian forward could be included in the squad for the Premier League opener, though there is no longer any chance of him starting.

In this week's Manchester United training, Rashford was seen joining the full team session for the first time in 19 months. The 28-year-old England winger's permanent move to Barcelona fell through, so he has to stay with his parent club. Rashford, just back from holiday, is also likely to miss the Leeds game. If he plays against Milan, he will face former United manager Ruben Amorim, who now coaches the "Rossoneri" and previously dropped him.

In Dublin, Ireland, 26-year-old Dutch center-back De Ligt smiled as he participated in part of the team's training. He has been out since November due to a back injury. De Ligt's last appearance for United was 254 days ago, on November 30 last year in a match against Crystal Palace, when his back problem arose and he has not played since.

De Ligt underwent surgery in May in hopes of a full recovery. Before this week, his pre-season training was limited to rehabilitation at Carrington. But now he has joined his teammates in Ireland for some preparation. United officials stated that the main purpose of this week's trip is for De Ligt to engage in team-building activities.

According to United's official announcement, De Ligt participated in the first part of the full team training session on Monday morning, while the rest of the time he continued his injury rehabilitation. The United website said: On Monday morning, Matthijs (De Ligt) came from the team hotel to the pitch and took part in the first 15 minutes of training with his teammates. As the session progressed, the center-back switched to individual drills.

In reality, De Ligt is not yet ready to return and will not play in the friendlies. He only joined the opening part of training and has not participated in the full session, nor can he engage in physical contact yet. De Ligt is still expected to miss the start of the season, with a possible return in the autumn.

Since Carrick took over, De Ligt is the only United player who has not yet played under the new manager. Thus, he continues his remarkable record of having a new coach every season.

Unlike previous games in Scandinavia that were not sold out, Wednesday's match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Dublin's Croker Park will be a full house. Notably, this is a trophy match; if the score is level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will decide the winner. Leeds United won their last game 2-0 against RB Leipzig, and previously beat Liverpool 4-2.

Leeds have signed several strong players this summer, including free agent Harry Wilson from Fulham and goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. Interestingly, Trafford, who is set to make his debut, replaces Karl Darlow, who joined Manchester United on a free transfer this summer. Fans' familiar speedster Daniel James may face his former club.