Four things Manchester United learned from Lens and Athletic Bilbao friendly games

Manchester United brought their pre-season schedule to an end with a double-header against Lens and Athletic Bilbao as focus now shifts to the Premier League opener vs Wolves.

Having toured the United States earlier this summer, United returned to Old Trafford against Lens and a little over 24 hours later were in action at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Those games provided Erik ten Hag with a last chance to run over his ideas on-field before the 2023/2024 campaign.

But how might those outings have impacted his thinking? Here, we take a closer look at what United might have learned against Lens and Bilbao as the countdown to Wolves - at Old Trafford on Monday night (8pm) - continues;

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A hint towards selection vs Wolves

Managers tend to mix and match their line-ups during friendly matches - and for two main reasons. Firstly, it gives youngsters, peripheral figures and new arrivals a chance to impress alongside regular features as they all attempt to get used to their teammates, and the system being played. Secondly, it keeps their rivals guessing as to who might start when the proper business rolls around. Although that notion is, maybe, just wishful thinking.

During his first season at the helm, Ten Hag brought continuity when it came to selection. Squad depth might have played a significant part there, but the Dutchman was also crystal clear in what he thought his best starting XI was throughout the majority of that campaign. Depending on how quickly Rasmus Hojlund is unleashed, the team which got the nod against Bilbao