Erik ten Hag Anticipates Premier League Kickoff with New Signings

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United's manager, will have new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui available for the season opener against Fulham. Although the team isn't fully prepared due to an insufficient pre-season, Ten Hag remains optimistic. Harry Maguire is set to return, but Luke Shaw will miss the opening match.

Manchester United's Erik ten Hag faces the season opener with new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and a notable absence in Luke Shaw. Despite a disrupted pre-season, Ten Hag remains optimistic about integrating new players.

Ten Hag acknowledged the challenges of not having a consistent pre-season, exacerbated by late signings and international duties. "It's not the five to six-week pre-season we typically hope for, but the league does start and we'll make the best of it," Ten Hag commented during Thursday's press conference.

While Harry Maguire returns to Friday's squad, Shaw's absence due to injury leaves a gap. Ten Hag assured fans that Shaw is expected back soon and that other players can cover the position. Notably, Ten Hag's contract extension reflects his commitment to this season's high expectations and pursuit of trophies.

(With inputs from agencies.)