Dubravka might have played his final match
David de Gea returned to training on Thursday, and it was no surprise to see him head straight back into the starting line-up after Martin Dubravka's disappointing performance against Cádiz.
The Spaniard is in no danger of losing his spot as first choice at United this season, and the fact that he was chosen ahead of Dubravka could hint at his role against Burnley next time out.
It was even more telling that Tom Heaton was the one chosen to feature from the bench at half-time this time, adding another layer of competition to the undercard.
Match reaction: United vs Real Betis highlights
Given that United has been drawn against Everton in the FA Cup third round next year, fringe players may not have many other opportunities this season.
If that is the case, then Dubravka might never play for United again.
Out of chances
There was a late change to the United line-up when Donny van de Beek dropped out ten minutes before kick-off to be replaced by Isak Hansen-Aarøen.
It was another damning moment for the Dutchman during a week in which he had the chance to take centre-stage, but instead all he did was confirm that a change is probably the best thing for his career going forward.
His misfortune has been down to a range of different circumstances, some of which are out of his control, but even when playing, he has rarely managed to take his chance.
Ten Hag admitted that a time might come when United must accept that Van de Beek has run out of chances, and after another dismal week, that time might be now.
Ten Hag might have already confirmed six starters vs Burnley
The main objective of the week away has been to improve fitness and gradually increase the intensity ahead of a return to competitive action against Burnley.
Vincent Kompany's side return to action against QPR on Sunday afternoon, and it looks like United have begun to turn their attention to their Carabao Cup tie with the team they selected against Betis.
Along with De Gea returning to the line-up, a strong side was named on Saturday night. Most interesting, though, was who stayed on beyond half-time and got a prolonged outing.
Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay played the majority of the match, Aaron Wan-Bissaka played the majority of it, and Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho each played about an hour.
It looked like a clear indication of their upcoming involvement in the match at Old Trafford.
Mengi suffers injury blow
It really feels like Teden Mengi can't catch a break at the moment.
He was set to leave United on loan in the summer window, but saw a move scuppered after an injury blow. He was also set to leave on loan in the January window, but that looks to have vanished after he suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday night.
The 20-year-old has been working so hard to get himself back to match fitness and might well have been one of those in contention to feature against Burnley, but now his focus will just be on recovery again.
Mengi will be determined to come back even stronger than ever, but this one will be really tough to take.
Youngsters get their chance
Another key factor of the match was that so many young hopefuls got a valuable taste of playing football in front of a crowd at an intimidating stadium.
Sam Murray impressed at left-back, Kobbie Mainoo looked bright in central midfield and Rhys Bennett held his own having come on to replace the injured Mengi.
It might have been a relatively tame affair, but it was still a huge moment in the academy player's careers and an opportunity to play against experienced professionals at a higher intensity than many of them are used to.
The game will be forgotten about in a hurry, but lots of those young players will remember it for a long time.
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