Erik ten Hag praises Manchester United's fight after 'stupid goal' vs Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised his side's perseverance following a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao in their final pre-season friendly.

United went a goal behind on the half hour mark in Dublin as a misplaced pass by Harry Maguire allowed the La Liga side to counter and Nico Williams to score. In searching for a way back into the game, the Reds were given a helping hand midway through the second half when Aitor Paredes was sent off after pulling back Hannibal Mejbri as he tried to race clear on goal.

Despite the numerical advantage, Ten Hag's team looked like they heading for defeat until right at the death when Maguire atoned for his earlier error to knock the ball down for Facundo Pellistri to level. And, speaking after the match, Ten Hag was reasonably pleased with his team's efforts.

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He told MUTV: "It was a stupid goal, we went down, but we scored. We showed character, and we need that for the season. They don’t give up, they fight until the end. I’m happy we got the equaliser, and we had to fight for it."

United have now concluded their pre-season fixtures and begin their Premier League campaign at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14. The draw in Ireland is unlikely to have much of an impact on the starting XI for the season opener with most of Ten Hag's likely starters playing in Saturday's win over Lens.

The transfer window is in full swing and United have got their hands on three players well in advance of the September 1 deadline, with Rasmus Hojlund joining Mason Mount and Andre Onana at Old