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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Steven Railston

Erik ten Hag explains why Martin Dubravka starts for Manchester United vs Cadiz CF in friendly

Erik ten Hag is yet to clarify David de Gea's absence from Manchester United's squad to play Cadiz CF.

United have travelled to Spain for training and two friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis this week. The squad that has travelled is a blend of experience and youth from the academy and De Gea is one of the senior professionals that has made the trip.

De Gea was expected to start against Cadiz on Wednesday night but Martin Dubravka has started in between the sticks.

ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo's exit

Dubravka joined United on loan from Newcastle on deadline day and he made his debut for the club against Aston Villa in the League Cup last month, which is something Ten Hag discussed when asked why the Slovakian starts against Cadiz.

Ten Hag did not clarify why De Gea is absent from the squad and he said it was a chance for Dubravka to impress.

"He did very well against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup," Ten Hag told MUTV. "We have to challenge all of the players, so today he plays and it's a good opportunity for him to get minutes in the legs to show what he's capable of.

"I want to see pressing, clear. We want variations in pressing, high and low block, but it depends on the opponent. What we have seen in the analysis, they play quite direct, so we need to stick together and be compact all the time."

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