Last weekend brought Erik ten Hag one final chance to see his Manchester United players in match action, with a double header of friendlies against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.
It also afforded him the chance to improve his players’ fitness levels, with 13 managing to play 90 minutes across the two games.
It means the United manager should have a better idea at this stage what his first-choice line-up looks like, with the summer arrivals of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez providing more options.
There could be further incomings before the market shuts, with Frenkie de Jong continuing to be strongly linked with a move to the Red Devils.
Ten Hag is known to be a huge admirer of the Barcelona midfielder, whom he managed at Ajax.
Should De Jong join United, it would likely be the final piece of the jigsaw for the new United boss, following a pre-season which has given fans real insight into what he feels is his strongest XI.
The team which started against Atleti is the basis for that team, although several players were absent due to illness, while Eriksen and Martinez were never going to start given their recent arrivals.
But based on Ten Hag’s pre-season comments and team selections, here is what we feel the 52-year-old’s first-choice XI looks like…
It means the United manager should have a better idea at this stage what his first-choice line-up looks like, with the summer arrivals of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez providing more options.
5. Luke Shaw
Given he started against Aston Villa in the last friendly before illness, it seems he is just ahead of Tyrell Malacia in the pecking order.
6. Frenkie de Jong
Evidently the new United boss wants his former midfielder to make the move to Old Trafford, putting the places of Fred and Scott McTominay under threat
7. Christian Eriksen
Against sides who will sit deeper, Eriksen is likely to see more minutes. When United need to press more intently, then the defensive-minded Fred and McTominay could start.
8. Bruno Fernandes
Wasn’t spectacular in pre-season, but the Portugal midfielder remains arguably the best player in the United squad.