So much for a sunny Spain getaway - Manchester United players were in full winter gear as the rain lashed down in Jerez de la Frontera in Friday’s training session.
Erik ten Hag was far from pleased with Wednesday’s 4-2 friendly loss to La Liga strugglers Cadiz despite the weight of inexperienced players in the side. The likes of Casemiro, Fred and Antony will soon be returning to Carrington following Brazil’s exit to Croatia in the World Cup.
But this week-long camp is primarily about regaining match fitness for those who didn’t travel to Qatar while also presenting a rare opportunity for the club’s academy prospects. Most of the squad that travelled to Spain are yet to make their official United debut but were handed minutes this week.
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Despite the loss to Cadiz, spirits were still high in camp as first-team players such as Anthony Martial, David de Gea and Donny van de Beek continue to get back into the swing of things. Here are things we spotted during the latest training session.
Savage’s cheeky lob
The drills seemed to centre a lot on firing at goal, with penalties and attacking situations practised. Charlie Savage was seen participating in the latter, as he bids to try and break into the senior squad.
He is yet to make an appearance since last December’s debut against Young Boys in the Champions League. His audacious lob over Martin Dubravka won’t have done his chances of a second game any harm.
Garnacho's Panenka spot kick
It’s clear Alejandro Garnacho has that edge within him, his confidence levels sky high. Even after having as good a run in the senior side as he has enjoyed this season, few teenagers would have dared trying a Panenka penalty.
Fearless Garnacho doesn’t conform, though. Goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis won’t thank him for that in this case.
Smiley Van de Beek
Despite his continued struggle for form, Van de Beek seemed in good spirits throughout the session. Giving Ten Hag a hearty greeting, the midfielder is on a mission to show he still has a part to play in his manager’s plans.
The Dutchman has only played seven times this season and was left out of his country’s World Cup squad.
Fun and games
Ten Hag is known for his steadfast intensity in training but he’s clearly also down for some fun, when it benefits gameplay. Goalkeepers were seen playing hand tennis with a small ball to keep up their agility and coordination.
Dubravka, Nathan Bishop and Tom Heaton were going full throttle with David de Gea playing head-ups with the former later on.
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