Manchester United have enjoyed a fruitful pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia this month. They were a second away from attaining a 100 per cent winning record with triumphs over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace followed by Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
Erik ten Hag has been able to put his plans into action, and his preparations have paid off so far. He’s not tried to hide his selection preferences by seemingly starting his preferred XI in all four friendlies.
But he’s also made sure to give most academy hopefuls in the tour squad some minutes. READ MORE:What Erik ten Hag said in dressing room after Villa draw The likes of Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage have certainly made an impression and could stake a place in the first team next term.
Meanwhile Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes have all played starring roles. United have two pre-season friendlies still left to play; Atletico Madrid on July 30 in Norway and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford a day later.