Manchester United still have decisions to make on 11 players in transfer window

Erik ten Hag is set for a vital few days of preparation ahead of his first season as Manchester United manager. This weekend will see his side play two matches in two days, their final test ahead of the campaign proper.

Saturday’s match against Atletico Madrid is expected to be a dress rehearsal for the Premier League opener against Brighton, while Sunday’s clash versus Rayo Vallecano will be one for those on the periphery to stake a claim for a starting spot.

Both matches should give us a clear idea of the United pecking order heading into the new campaign, with the two line-ups acting as a clear indication of who is currently viewed to be at the top of their hierarchy, and who still has work to do.

READ MORE: Martinez's first words as a United player

Ten Hag’s selection is complicated by matters surrounding players with uncertain futures at the club. There are a group of players who are free to leave before deadline day who represent a dilemma of whether to leave them out or utilise them to keep them fit and place them in the proverbial shop window.

Uncertainty over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains the main talking point following his talks with Ten Hag this week. The 37-year-old wants to leave to pursue another season playing in the Champions League but United are adamant he is not for sale and are under no financial obligation to get rid of him.

That’s the case in defence, where United are happy to let Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles leave this summer but have had to use both players in pre-season.

Wan-Bissaka is now back-up to Diogo Dalot with Ethan Laird as the understudy, and United remain in the market for another right-back before deadline day.

Telles is the third choice behind Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia