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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

5 things spotted in Man Utd training as Cristiano Ronaldo ramps up work after secret match

Erik ten Hag received a rude awakening in his first game as a Premier League manager on Sunday afternoon as Manchester United lost 2-1 at home to Graham Potter's Brighton.

The Dutchman will be keen to get his maiden win as Red Devils boss on Saturday evening when his team travel to Brentford. United will be without Brandon Williams due to injury, while Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri face late fitness tests.

All three of those players missed training on Wednesday, but Ten Hag shouldn't be too concerned about absentees as he is still expected to deploy a strong XI against Thomas Frank's side. Here are five things we noticed from United's latest training session.

Ronaldo steps up efforts

Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming to make his first start of the season on Saturday (Getty Images)

It's been an interesting summer for Cristiano Ronaldo, to say the least. The wantaway forward did not get a proper pre-season under his belt after missing United's tour of Thailand and Australia, meaning he only played 37 minutes against Brighton.

Ronaldo started a behind-closed-doors friendly against Halifax on Monday to build up his fitness and he got involved in United's training session on Wednesday, too. He's got another two sessions before Saturday's game... will he be ready? Only time will tell.

Martinez bouncing back

Lisandro Martinez struggled against Brighton (Getty Images)
Raphael Varane is hoping to regain his place in the team (Getty Images)

Will Manchester United beat Brentford on Saturday evening? Let us know in the comments below!

Ten Hag wasn't the only United employee to get a rude awakening to Premier League life. Lisandro Martinez, who arrived from Ajax in a £55million deal last month, struggled to deal with Danny Welbeck's cleverness on Sunday and was lucky not to concede a penalty.

The Argentine is doing the hard yards in training this week to ensure he doesn't have another shocker against Brentford on Sunday. Yet the worry for him right now is doing enough in sessions to persuade Ten Hag to give him the nod ahead of Raphael Varane.

Varane fighting for spot

Speaking of Varane, the former Real Madrid man will be hoping to return to United's starting line-up after being left out against Brighton. Whether that's in favour of Martinez or captain Harry Maguire is unclear, yet a player of his quality needs to be starting.

Varane struggled with injuries during his debut season in England - featuring just 22 times in the Premier League - but looks fully fit once again. Will he play against Brentford? Only Ten Hag can answer that question. We suspect many United fans will hope so.

Garner ready for action

James Garner is trying to break into the team (Getty Images)
Christian Eriksen's role at Manchester United is unclear (Getty Images)

James Garner has gone under the radar in recent weeks, but he could just be the answer to Ten Hag's midfield dilemma. Many critics believe United need to bring in at least one new central midfielder this summer, with Fred and Scott McTominay coming under fire.

The Red Devils are close to signing Adrien Rabiot, yet the answer could be right in front of Ten Hag's eyes. Garner, 21, inspired Nottingham Forest to promotion last season and is training hard to win a starting berth on Saturday. He may just get the nod.

Eriksen working out role

When Christian Eriksen joined United on a free transfer in July - ironically from upcoming opponents Brentford - many wondered where he would play in Ten Hag's team. Sunday didn't answer that question, with him starting up front and ending in central midfield.

Eriksen's most influential role is in attacking midfield, but that position is currently occupied by Bruno Fernandes. The Denmark international will be wondering where he fits into the team come Saturday evening. The answer could be on the bench.

Explaining why Eriksen started last Sunday's game up front, Ten Hag told reporters: "We didn’t have a typical number nine, I knew he did it at Ajax, a long time ago. Play as a striker."

He added: "I think Christian Eriksen is the best in the midfield. It was also the idea that he drops and gets in between the lines."

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