International players return to Manchester United in preparation for friendly against Saint-Germain

Manchester United’s training sessions continued with the return of international players after their leave following their countries’ participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as the team prepares for an upcoming friendly match against French club Paris Saint-Germain, the European champions in the last two editions. The match is scheduled for next Saturday in Sweden, as both teams gear up for the start of the 2026–2027 football season.

The fixture has attracted significant fan interest due to the stature of both clubs and their star-studded lineups, with each side aiming to assess player readiness and prepare optimally ahead of the new season. The friendly offers coaches an important opportunity to experiment with various tactical plans and involve as many players as possible, whether first-team regulars or new signings, in order to evaluate performance before the season begins.

The technical staff of both teams are focused on assessing players’ physical and technical condition, particularly after the summer preparation period, as friendly matches serve as a crucial platform for testing on-field cohesion and achieving balance across the lines. These games also provide new players with a chance to prove their abilities and adapt to the team’s playing style, while giving young players opportunities to participate and gain experience.

Meanwhile, Manchester United announced a new training kit sponsorship deal with Betway, valued at £20 million ($26 million) annually. The Betway logo will be prominently displayed on the training kits for both the men’s and women’s teams at Manchester United, as well as around Old Trafford.

The Red Devils went through last season without a training kit sponsor after their agreement with Adidas ended in June 2025. The club’s return to the UEFA Champions League this season enabled them to secure a more lucrative deal, believed to be the largest globally for club training kit sponsorship.

This agreement comes as new regulations in the English Premier League take effect, banning betting companies from appearing on the front of match shirts starting next season.

Mark Armstrong, Manchester United’s Chief Commercial Officer, announced the partnership with Betway, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Betway as our official main partner.” He added, “The scale of our new and exciting partnership reflects the growth strategy we are pursuing, Manchester United’s enduring global strength and appeal, and our ability to attract leading brands that wish to engage with our massive global fanbase.”