Manchester United lost 4-2 against La Liga side Cadiz on Wednesday night, in the club’s first mid-season friendly of the season.
The Red Devils went two goals down in the first half but did draw level in the early stages of the second period, before Cadiz netted another double to run out as winners. While it was a somewhat disappointing night for United, they did play the entirety of the second half with a team made up almost entirely of youngsters.
United started the game poorly and were susceptible to rapid attacks from the hosts. After just eight minutes, Cadiz netted their first of the night after Carlos Garcia headed home from Alex Fernandez’s cross following a well-worked set-piece routine.
It wasn’t long until it was 2-0, with Anthony Lozano placing a first-time finish beyond Martin Dubravka in the United goal after a quick counter from Cadiz. United managed to find a way back into the match after 20 minutes, as Luis Hernandez hauled ZIdane Iqbal down inside the box after a well-worked one-two pass. Anthony Martial was the man entrusted to take the spot-kick and he skilfully scored via a panenka chip down the middle of the goal.
Yet after the explosive opening 20 minutes, the rest of the half was quiet, with few goalscoring chances for either side at Nuevo Mirandilla. Erik ten Hag opted to change all 10 outfield players at the break, with the team in the second period comprised mainly of youth-team players.
It had an immediate effect for the Red Devils, with Kobbie Mainoo scoring after 48 minutes. The midfielder cut inside and shot on his left foot, and it flew into the back of the net after a significant deflection.
The lead lasted nine minutes as the more experienced Cadiz side began to take more of a hold on proceedings. Ruben Sobrino slid in to tap home after an excellent cross from Theo Bongonda on the left wing, making it 3-2.
Bongonda also had a good effort saved by Dubravka, as United’s La Liga opponents continued to dominate. Tomas Alacron added a fourth in the latter stages after he latched onto a loose touch from Charlie Savage, before blasting the ball beyond Dubravka.
Here’s how we rated the players...
1. Martin Dubravka- 5
The only player to feature over the full 90 minutes. The goalkeeper couldn’t have stopped three of the goals, with Alacron’s perhaps the exception. Dubravka did spill one relatively easy catch at the start of the second half.
2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 5 (off 46)
Didn’t offer much going forward but looked sound enough defensively. Will be pleased to get 45 minutes into his legs after a tough start to the season.
3. Teden Mengi-6 (off 46)
His start is perhaps a sign of where he stands in Ten Hag’s pecking order, and the young defender looked composed in possession in Spain.
4. Victor Lindelof- 6 (off 46)
Had some nice touches in possession and wasn’t at fault for any of the goals.