Manchester United have been back in training on Friday as they prepare for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa.
They haven't been in their usual abode of Carrington, though, with Erik ten Hag's squad remaining in Spain for another day following Thursday's 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad so another session could be held immediately rather than having to travel home. United did the same following the trip to Nicosia and the following weekend they defeated Everton, so it bodes well for the weekend.
United have released photographs and video footage from the session on their website, which included light running, recovery exercises and ball work, and here are three things we spotted.
ALSO READ: Ten Hag makes admission on Van de Beek
Recovery
With the games coming thick and fast recovery is vital. United haven't gone a week between games since their fixture with Crystal Palace was postponed following the death of the Queen in early September, a gruelling schedule that could take its toll if not managed properly.
Antony, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho are all doubts while Raphael Varane is unavailable for Sunday's trip to Birmingham and any further injuries would give Ten Hag a real headache. With the World Cup looming, any knocks now would be devastating for players too as has been seen elsewhere with the likes of Son Heung-min and Ben Chilwell. That's why recovery after games is crucial and the players spent a lot of the session stretching out their bodies following the game.
Garnacho keeping his head screwed on
Though the win over Sociedad was ultimately disappointing, as it wasn't by a wide enough margin to secure the top spot in the group and a bye into the last 16, there was at least one massive positive in the shape of Alejandro Garnacho. The exciting winger has been impressing Ten Hag enough to be a regular fixture on the bench for Premier League fixtures and has been given several appearances in the Europa League.
The Argentine was handed his second start in San Sebastien and rewarded Ten Hag's faith with his best performance for the seniors yet. He was productive and direct on the ball, always looking to move forward and capped it off with a brilliant goal for the winner.
But there was little time for ceremony or celebration in training and Garnacho cut a focused figure in the session, maintaining a sturdy face of concentration as he went about his drills. If he keeps those performances up and his actions in training to a high standard he could be involved more and more as the season goes on.
Rashford's form in front of goal
Goals are at a premium for United at the moment so it's good that Marcus Rashford has returned to form. He's the club's top scorer this season with 7, more than double his nearest competitor, and is looking back to his best just in time for England's World Cup hopes.
He is clearly full of renewed confidence and that could be seen in abundance in the training session, as he scored three excellent goals in succession in a shooting drill. The first was a volley with his weaker foot roofed into the net, the second an accurate finish into the far corner while facing away from goal at a tight angle and finally, he smartly dummied a defender before lashing the ball home. Hopefully, that fine form continues on Sunday.
READ MORE:
