He's got a lot of muscle. The fans believe United will be the champions.

Manchester United’s fans remain optimistic despite concerns over key players' readiness ahead of the new Premier League season. The club's squad has been bolstered with several high-profile signings, including Brazilian forward Andre Sanches and Dutch midfielder Youri Tielemans, who together cost around £85 million. These additions have sparked excitement among supporters, who believe the team is well-positioned to challenge for top honors. Among the notable figures returning to training is Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt, the club’s center-back. De Ligt, 26, had been absent for much of last season after suffering a back injury that required corrective surgery in May. He returned to training earlier this month and has shown promising signs of recovery. On social media, he posted videos of himself performing demanding exercises, including heavy weightlifting and high-knee lifts on a treadmill. His presence has given fans renewed hope that he will soon be ready for competitive action. Despite his progress, De Ligt is expected to miss the start of the season due to ongoing rehabilitation. He did not travel to the club’s pre-season tour and will likely sit out the early matches. However, his return has already generated optimism within the fanbase, with many believing that his fitness and form could make him a crucial asset in the coming months. Fans have expressed confidence in the team’s depth, noting that United now boasts a fully healthy squad capable of competing at the highest level. Meanwhile, Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško continues to work on his recovery from a leg injury sustained late in last season. Šeško, 26, missed the final three Premier League games of the campaign and was absent during the initial two pre-season matches against Wrexham and Rosenborg. His rehabilitation has progressed steadily, though there are cautious expectations regarding his availability. According to club officials, Šeško has begun individual training sessions at Carrington and is following a carefully planned recovery schedule. While he is expected to return before the start of the league season, there is still uncertainty over whether he will be available for the opening fixtures. Šeško’s absence has raised some concerns among analysts, particularly due to reports suggesting he has gained more muscle mass than previously seen. Some fans have shared photos of Šeško looking significantly bulkier compared to the beginning of last season. Former England defender Gary Neville has warned that excessive muscle gain can reduce agility and explosiveness, traits vital for a forward. Neville pointed to other players such as Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, and Kobbie Mainoo, whose increased muscularity has sometimes come at the expense of their performance. In contrast, De Ligt’s physical condition appears to be on track, with his recent training sessions showing positive results. As the club prepares for the new season, the focus remains on ensuring all players are match-ready. With key reinforcements added and multiple stars returning to full fitness, Manchester United’s management believes they have the tools necessary to compete for the title. The coming weeks will determine how quickly these players can contribute to the team’s success.