While Manchester United stars hit the headlines for their achievements in Qatar at the World Cup, a number of their teammates will be gearing up for their second mid-season friendly of the week.
The United squad scheduled two games during their week-long stay in Spain, first against La Liga strugglers Cadiz and then against high-punching Real Betis. A number of first-team players who have not made the trip over to the Middle East will feature against Betis on Saturday, December 10 following their friendly with Cadiz the previous Wednesday.
Alejandro Garnacho, Donny van de Beek and David de Gea will use the contest to refocus their attention on a return to action with their League Cup tie with Burnley scheduled for three days after the World Cup final on Sunday, December 18.
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United players who enter the latter stages of the World Cup with their countries will likely not feature in that game but probably instead against Nottingham Forest in their first Premier League game back on December 27.
It means several fringe players could get a rare opportunity to showcase themselves against Real Betis. The Spanish outfit are sixth in La Liga and are only kept out of the top four on goal difference.
Five first-team members have travelled to the World Cup including William Carvalho, who came off injured in Portugal’s 2-0 group stage win over Uruguay. In contrast, United saw 16 senior stars leave, although this lowered to 15 upon Cristiano Ronaldo’s mid-tournament exit.
How to watch Real Betis vs Manchester United
MUTV will be showing the match live with subscribers able to watch the action on the app or on the website. The game will kick off at 5pm UK time.
The Manchester Evening News will provide live updates and deliver post-match reaction.
Team news
Those not selected by their national teams such as Spain’s De Gea and Argentina’s Garnacho are set to feature barring injury. Players from nations who failed to qualify for the World Cup will also make an appearance, including Scott McTominay and Victor Lindelof.
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