Despite the exciting World Cup underway, Manchester United fans have been looking forward to seeing their beloved team back in action.
And after almost a month, they saw a makeshift United lose their first Spanish friendly against Cádiz 2-4 at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla.
The first half featured senior stars such as Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, and Anthony Elanga, while most of the rest were made up of team players or young up-and-coming talent.
The rust and lack of understanding showed as the Red Devils promptly fell 0-2 in the first quarter space. The Premier League giants recovered a goal through a Martial Panenka penalty.
The second half featured only academy talent and despite recovering a goal through the dashing Kobbie Mainoo, it was a weak defensive display as Martin Dubravka let in another two to seal the match in favor of the La Liga strugglers.
United lacked understanding on the pitch
Erik ten Hag had said before kick-off that he doesn’t see the matches as friendlies as he wants his team to win and show why he deserves to play regularly.
But there were too many screens out of color. Donny van de Beek was a passenger once again and newly injured full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams looked slow and heavy.
But the biggest disappointment was Anthony Elanga. He was a breath of fresh air last season under interim manager Ralf Rangnick, but this season he has seemed clueless most of the time.
I was struck by someone’s poor acting.
Elanga. I feel rusty, but almost every pass and decision he made was bad. For young players, this is an opportunity to show maturity. I say this because I don’t think I should be at the club ahead of Pellestri and Amad as well.
— The Elite Pundit (@TheElitePundit) December 7, 2022
On Wednesday, the Swede started on his favorite left despite the exciting Alejandro Garnacho, who had to be accommodated on the right.
They both changed bands quite often, but the Argentine was very clear in terms of providing cutting edge. He looks lacking in confidence and needs to be borrowed to gain more experience.
Fans are quick to judge nowadays, but it must be remembered that he is still only 20 years old. But right now, there are better options than the Swedish international.
Elanga disappoints again
Despite not playing a minute for the 20-time English champions, Facundo Pellistri impressed again for Uruguay at the World Cup in Qatar.
Fans have long been asking for the Uruguayan to get a chance on the right as Antony’s backup, and on the back of this Elanga display, Pellistri deserves a chance. Even Amad Diallo after he returns from loan.
It looks like a lot of players need a loan or need to be let go and Ten Hag will be taking a call after the Spanish leg ends. And there are a few who deserve minutes in cup competitions.
Zidane Iqbal’s, whose ruse earned United the penalty in the first half, is one like Mainoo’s. The next United will face Real Betis on Saturday, hoping to say goodbye with a victory.
