The English Premier League returns on Monday, December 26, 2022, but Manchester United are set to play Burnley in the Carabao Cup. The match will take place on December 21, 2022 and preparations are already underway.
On Thursday, manager Erik ten Hag put the Red Devils players to the test at training ground (via The Mirror). With the World Cup final on Sunday when Argentina takes on France in the final, there are still some notable absentees.
The absence of United’s stars means those in training can claim their place in the starting eleven for Ten Hag’s side. Players returning from international duty, such as the English and Portuguese contingent, will return to training next week. According to the Mirror, there were many positive aspects of Thursday’s training session at Carrington:
1. Young people are still involved
United’s youngsters have been stuck in training to defend themselves.
Kobbie Mainoo is one such youngster who has impressed, scoring in the 4-2 loss to Cádiz. Mainoo, Zidane Iqbal and Rhys Bennett were heavily involved in training.
2. Martial smiles again
Anthony Martial was the other Red Devils player on the scoresheet against Cádiz.
With United still searching for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford still returning, Martial could be the answer to ten Hag’s attacking woes.
3. Lindelof holds the fort
Veteran centre-backs Maguire, MartÃnez and Varane are still out.
Until his return, Victor Lindelof is the only senior centre-back in top form before the Burnley clash. His contribution over the festive period will be invaluable.
4. Return of Pellistri and Tuanzebe
Uruguay didn’t have the World Cup story they had hoped for, but aside from a disappointing outing, one United player will be happy with their participation: Facundo Pellistri.
Pellistri, despite struggling to make his first appearance for the Red Devils, made three appearances for his country in Qatar.
At just 20 years old, the winger will be eager to keep playing. If he can’t engineer a start for United, he can find more time for the match.
The big news for United is that Axel Tuanzebe has also returned to training after being plagued with injuries. His last game with Manchester United was in the 2021 Europa League final.
More recently, he has played on loan at Aston Villa and Napoli. With the front-row centre-backs all but certain to be absent on Wednesday, Axel could have an outside opportunity to play against the Clarets.
5. Ready to play
Elanga, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek were firing on all cylinders during training at Carrington. Each of them has yet to secure a starting position. The festive season will give them a chance to establish themselves on the Ten Hag starting roster.
