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What is pre-season?
Pre-season matches are exhibition games played by football clubs before the official league season begins. They help new managers like Michael Carrick test tactics, integrate new players, and get the squad fit. Results aren't crucial for league standings, but they offer an early glimpse into a team's potential and a manager's approach, as seen with Carrick's early results compared to previous Man Utd bosses.
Stories that explain this
Four Manchester United players return for pre-season ahead of PSG clash Carrick is first Man Utd boss in four to lose an opening pre-season game Real Madrid's full squad finally reunites as five World Cup players returnRelated explainers
Who is Michael Carrick? Why do players miss pre-season? What is a 'manager'? Why are managers compared? What is Valdebebas? What is the World Cup? What is F1 pre-season testing? What is a 'pre-season'?The full catalogue
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