The new season is nearly here, but pre-season has already delivered plenty of talking points.
From Bryan Mbeumo finding his shooting boots to Jude Bellingham enjoying a memorable return to Birmingham, here are five stories you might have missed.
1. Mbeumo finding his rhythm
Bryan Mbeumo looks ready for the new campaign.
The Manchester United forward has scored three goals across his last four pre-season appearances, giving Michael Carrick another encouraging sign ahead of United’s Premier League opener.
2. Tzolis cannot stop contributing
Christos Tzolis has wasted little time making an impact at Arsenal.
The Greek winger’s goal and two assists in pre-season extended an impressive run of 18 consecutive club appearances with either a goal or an assist.
There have been some difficult results for Arsenal this summer, including a 3-1 defeat to Real Betis, but Tzolis has emerged as one of the brighter features of their preparations.
3. Danso sees straight red in a friendly
Nobody told Kevin Danso that friendlies were supposed to be friendly.
The Tottenham defender was shown a straight red during Spurs’ pre-season meeting with Chelsea in Sydney, but the ten men still found a way to win.
Sandro Tonali put Spurs ahead before Estevao levelled for Chelsea, with Richarlison scoring deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.
4. Winless Amorim faces an early Manchester United reunion
Ruben Amorim’s new chapter at AC Milan has not started smoothly.
The former United boss is still searching for his first victory as Milan manager and suffered a 3-0 pre-season defeat against Chelsea at the weekend.
Next up? Manchester United.
Milan face Amorim’s former club in Wroclaw on August 15, just seven months after his spell at Old Trafford came to an end.
5. Bellingham enjoys Birmingham beating Barcelona
Jude Bellingham went back to where it all started and picked a good night to do it.
The Real Madrid midfielder returned to St Andrew’s to watch boyhood club Birmingham City take on Barcelona.
Birmingham drew 2-2 with the Spanish champions before winning 3-2 on penalties, with Bellingham joining in the celebrations from the stands. The former Blues youngster received a warm reception on his return, six years after leaving the club for Borussia Dortmund.
