Erik ten Hag's early decisions are already benefiting some Manchester United players

The most popular player during Manchester United's pre-season tour thus far is about to become fifth-choice. Eric Bailly has wowed crowds from Bangkok to Melbourne, a centre-back haring into centre forward territory to create goals in both games.

Bailly was possibly tucked up in bed at the W hotel when Lisandro Martinez's agent Instagrammed from a private jet, confirming their imminent arrival in Manchester.

Harry Maguire was injured in Bangkok and Raphael Varane unavailable at the MCG yet both times Bailly started for the second XI, emerging at half-time with nine other teammates. Some have futures at United (Tyrell Malacia and Zidane Iqbal) and some don't (Alex Telles and Tahith Chong). Bailly still falls into the latter category.

Also read: United squad strategy in transfer market has improved under Ten Hag

Circumstances could change but United remain open to selling Bailly, a player they were so unconvinced of renewing his contract that he was the only senior 20-something to receive a three-year deal. For United's sake, such generosity has to have ended with the complacent culture Ed Woodward introduced.

Other players remain under threat. It is remarkable none of United's first three summer signings are a central midfielder, the weakest area in the squad.

Scott McTominay has been bustling in the tour games and is effectively a regular, only he is seen as a reserve in the eyes of most. James Garner has not had a kick to keep McTominay on his toes and a Manchester heatwave cannot convince Frenkie de Jong to brave the worst major European city airport. He is now in the United States.

Anthony Martial has poached two goals in as many games but United cannot hang their hats on a No.9 who has scored eight goals for the