MANCHESTER UNITED took on Halifax Town in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday.
The Red Devils faced the National League outfit just over 24 hours after losing their Premier League opener 2-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side organised the friendly at the Carrington training complex in order to give some fringe players more minutes in order to get them up to speed.
And according to Manchester Evening News, 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho impressed as he got his name on the scoresheet in a 5-1 victory.
Amad Diallo netted a brace, while Raphael Varane and Eric Bailly – who both started – also scored for United.
Tom Heaton was chosen as the man between the sticks, with teenage defender Will Fish earning a 30-minute stint at the end of the match.
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None of the United players who started the game against Brighton on Sunday were involved against Halifax.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also absent despite playing only one half of football in pre-season and featuring for just 37 minutes against Graham Potter’s men.
But it still would have been used as an opportunity for Ten Hag to get to know his squad better ahead of their second Premier League match of the campaign.
The Dutchman will travel to West London on Saturday evening as United face Thomas Frank’s Brentford.
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And he will be keen to see some major improvements after a torrid start to his time in charge at Old Trafford.
Speaking after the Brighton clash, Ten Hag said: “It is a hell of a job. It’s definitely a set-back. It’s a real disappointment and we have to deal with it.
“I am not satisfied, totally, because we lose and it’s not necessary. We should have done things better.
“We gave two easy balls away and the organisation was a big mistake. We made it clear how to deal with situations. It was unnecessary.
“We have to take the lessons and learn quickly from it. We don’t have time and we have to deliver.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
