Santos travelling but Man Utd play down Sesko and Darlow fitness concerns

[Getty Images] Manchester United have played down fitness concerns over striker Benjamin Sesko and new goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The pair were notable absentees from the 25-man squad named by head coach Michael Carrick for the opening game of United's pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July. Sesko missed the final three games of last season with a shin problem that flared up during the home victory over Liverpool on 3 May. Wales and former Leeds United keeper Darlow has had what is being described as a "procedure" at the end of last season. "Both players are expected to be fully fit and available for the start of 2026-27," said the club. Andrey Santos, a £48m signing from Chelsea , is included, but Youri Tielemans is missing, along with United's other senior players who have been at the World Cup. There is no Matthijs de Ligt in the squad as he recovers from back surgery. Defender Tyler Fredricson is not involved either before what is expected to be a permanent summer move away from Old Trafford. Europe is seen as a likely destination for the 21-year-old, whose proposed switch to Celtic in January fell through after he was injured before it could be completed. Fifteen-year-old forward JJ Gabriel is not involved as he only returned to training less than a week ago. The Wrexham game marks the start of a six-game pre-season for United, who have opted to stay in Europe rather than venture to the United States or Asia. They also play Rosenburg in Trondheim on 24 July before facing Atletico Madrid in Stockholm (1 August), Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg (8 August), Leeds in Dublin (12 August) and AC Milan in Wroclaw (15 August). Travelling squad: Heaton, Vitek, Mee, Maguire, Dorgu, Yoro, Shaw, Heaven, Amass, Kamason, Armer, Mount, Santos, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Collyer, Gore, Devaney, Thwaites, Zirkzee, Mbeumo, Chido Obi, Wheatley, Lacey, Williams.