Manchester United recently announced they will travel to Spain during the World Cup break to play a friendly match against La Liga sides Cadiz and Real Betis. The games will take place on 7 December and 10 December, with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag having a smaller squad than usual.
The Dutchman will be without 14 players for the two fixtures as a result of them representing their nations at the World Cup in Qatar. Noticeable absentees include this season’s top scorer Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, it does mean Ten Hag has the opportunity to maintain match fitness for individuals either not selected for their country, or those whose nation failed to qualify for the competition. Several key players still remain in Manchester during the month-long break and are expected to feature in Spain in December.
The friendly games give Ten Hag the opportunity to assess those still at the club ahead of what could be a busy second half of the campaign for United, especially with the January transfer window not far away. The Dutchman is likely to explore the winter market and make further changes to his squad following a busy summer which saw the arrivals of Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Antony and Martin Dubravka.
With that being said, we take a look at the 17 first team players who are in contention to make an appearance against Cadiz and Betis next month. It’s likely Ten Hag will also utilise several members of the Red Devils’ Under-21 squad in Spain.
The friendly games give Ten Hag the opportunity to assess those still at the club ahead of what could be a busy second half of the campaign for United, especially with the January transfer window not far away. The Dutchman is likely to explore the winter market and make further changes to his squad following a busy summer which saw the arrivals of Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Antony and Martin Dubravka.
5. Victor Lindelof
The Swede has been used in a rotational role this season due to the impressive form of Varane and Martinez, but with the duo, alongside Maguire at the World Cup, he will be Ten Hag’s first choice centre-back in Spain.
6. Axel Tuanzebe
The centre-back hasn’t featured for the club this season due to injury, but if deemed fit, could partner Lindelof in defence.
7. Phil Jones
Another player who is yet to secure minutes this campaign, Jones was put on a individual training plan at the beginning of the season, but will be hoping to feature, if fit, against Cadiz or Betis.
8. Brandon WIlliams
The full-back has been unavailable for Ten Hag this season due to injury, but the United boss confirmed in his pre-match press conference before the Fulham game, that Williams is in contention against Cadiz and Betis.