Manchester United fell to a 1-0 loss to Real Betis to conclude their week-long training camp in Spain during the World Cup break.
United's youthful side were much improved from the 4-2 loss to La Liga strugglers Cadiz on Wednesday. While the scorelines won’t please Erik ten Hag, he has managed to top up the fitness of his remaining players and gained great insight into a plethora of young stars.
United’s domestic season resumes in three weeks’ time with a League Cup clash against Burnley being the first game back. Ten Hag will already be looking towards that date and some players may have bolstered their chances of game time during the trip to Spain.
READ MORE: Why three United youngsters missed Real Betis friendly
While he will have made notes on a number of moments during the game, here are a handful fans may have missed throughout the 90 minutes.
Real Betis players console Mengi
Youngster Teden Mengi was eyeing a January loan spell but suffered another devastating setback in the first-half when his recurring hamstring injury forced him to be carried off.
Looking desolate on the deck realising his night was over, Real Betis stars Nabil Fekir and Rodri came over to comfort him with pats on the shoulder and stayed with him until he was carried off. Another moment of class saw both sets of fans applaud the centre-back off the pitch as Mengi awaits the diagnosis of the extent of the damage.
Elanga in deep dialogue with the boss
When Anthony Elanga was taken off with 30 minutes to go, Ten Hag stopped him on the sidelines to briefly discuss personal tactics. It looked as though the manager was giving him immediate feedback with the winger looking to edge his way into more competitive game time.
This week will have been beneficial for the Sweden international, who could start against Burnley in the League Cup on December 21 with few World Cup players thought to be involved for the first game back.
Lack of notable leadership
Scott McTominay bore the armband, and while he didn’t do the honour any injustice, he wasn’t quite the leading voice on the pitch. The likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes are onto their teammates when chances are conceded.
There was a notable lack of this from any outfield player when the goal or other opportunities were ceded, especially when Luiz Henrique fired over in the first half in the first real big concession of the match. Friendly it may be, but Ten Hag may have noted that.
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