Manchester United's countdown to the 2021/22 season starts today, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side facing their first pre-season fixture.
United make the trip to Pride Park to face Wayne Rooney's Derby County in the first of five pre-season matches before the new campaign begins next month against Leeds United.
However, following the European Championship and Copa America, a host of senior players are currently on holiday and yet to return to pre-season.
On top of that, Ivory Coast duo Amad Diallo and Eric Bailly are unavailable as they prepare for the Olympic games in Tokyo, which means there could be some less recognised faces involved in the early pre-season fixtures.
That presents the opportunity for young players to lay down a mantle ahead of the new campaign, potentially thrusting themselves into Solskjaer's thoughts and maybe earning first-team appearances.
Others may get a taste of senior action in the next few weeks before the next stage in their development is decided, with loan deals on the cards.
With plenty to keep tabs on, Solskjaer's team selection has attracted a wealth of interest and fans have been left excited by the team.
An opportunity to see Anthony Elanga, Dylan Levitt and James Garner has left fans licking their lips, as you can see above, while Tom Heaton earned recognition with his first start upon his return to the club.
Heavy changes are expected over the course of the match, with United having an extended number of substitutions to make in the friendly.
With the fixture kick-starting United's preparations for the new season, fans can now look forward to seeing the team back on their screens on a weekly basis.
United XI vs Derby: Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Mengi, Tuanzebe, Williams; Levitt, Garner; Elanga, Mata (c), Chong; Greenwood.
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