If Martinez is involved at Croke Park, even in limited fashion, it would feel significant. The defender appears set to be the final major returnee after an extended break, and his comeback would give United something they have been chasing all summer: continuity.
That matters in pre-season, especially when players have reported back at different times. A settled back line helps set the tone, and Martinez’s intensity, aggression and passing range can sharpen the whole team’s structure.
The report also says Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo were among the latest players to rejoin the squad, with speculation around Rashford’s future still hovering in the background. For now, though, the bigger issue is rhythm.
United’s schedule appears to have been built around control rather than glamour:
Holland sounded convinced by that approach. “Estou muito feliz com o programa que tivemos e com o andamento até aqui,” he said, underlining the staff’s belief that a stop-start summer can still produce a strong start.
There is still caution here. Pre-season can flatter and mislead in equal measure, and Leeds should offer a serious test; another report noted they have already produced an eye-catching summer result against Liverpool. But there does seem to be, in Holland’s words, “otimismo genuíno” around the squad, helped by returning players and fresh additions.
After Leeds, United are reportedly due to face AC Milan in their final warm-up before the real business begins. By then, the next thing to watch will be simple: whether this carefully managed summer turns into a fast, confident opening to the new season.