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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Stephen Killen

Five things spotted in Man United training as Cristiano Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho involved

Manchester United continue to step up their preparations for Saturday afternoon's clash with Everton.

The return to Premier League action was a rocky one after their uninspiring draw against Leicester City last time out. Fred popped up with yet another important goal before Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga got in a tangle late on to squander a golden opportunity to clinch all three points.

Arsenal's defeat on Monday ensured the gap between themselves and Ralf Rangnick's side remained at just three points. But with the Gunners having a game in hand plus Tottenham and West Ham keeping the pressure on with their respective wins on Sunday, United still have plenty of work to do.

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney is right and wrong about United's players and manager situation

Below, MEN Sport has picked out five things spotted in Wednesday's training session.

Alejandro Garnacho in first-team training

The highly-rated Argentine continues to break down barriers as he trained alongside the first team on Wednesday. Towards the end of March, he received his maiden call-up to Lionel Scaloni's side.

The 17-year-old has played a key role in securing a place in the FA Youth Cup final for the U18 side, scoring five goals in as many appearances including a brace in the sixth round against Leicester before his goal in the semi-final against Wolves.

What a few weeks it has been for Garnacho as he goes from training with Lionel Messi one week to Cristiano Ronaldo the next. Could he be in the squad for Saturday?

Alex Telles in high spirits

There was a concerning update from Rangnick as Luke Shaw was withdrawn at half-time on Saturday. The German explained that he had suffered a recurrence of a problem stemming from his double leg break in 2015.

Fred and Alex Telles prior to Manchester United training. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Alex Telles was his replacement and was in high spirits on Wednesday. He posed with a thumb up to the club's photographers before he was seen joking with Juan Mata as he snatched the Spaniard's hat.

With the current situation at full-back, the former Porto defender could deputise for Shaw on Saturday.

Ronaldo is back

Cristiano Ronaldo claimed United's Player of the Month accolade for March and he was sorely missed in the draw with the Foxes. He looks to have shaken off the illness that kept him out of Saturday's game and looked as focused as ever as the team were put through their paces.

Juan Mata defiant

In a week of speculation surrounding his future, Mata seemed unfazed by the rumours he could be set to retire. He emphatically quashed talk of hanging his boots up earlier this week.

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The former Chelsea playmaker's involvement has been minimal in recent seasons but he has remained as professional as ever. This season he has made just five appearances for the club.

Rangnick's discussion with Sascha Lense

The German was pictured alongside the sports psychologist and fitness coach as they emerged for the session in footage released by the club before the players embarked on their warm-up. Speaking after the draw with Leicester, Rangnick eluded to being 'second best in physicality' against the Foxes and maybe the discussion was on how they can improve on that this weekend.

Ralf Rangnick pictured in discussion with Sascha Lense (MUTV)

Should their uninspiring performances continue, United face the possibility of missing out on Champions League football. Saturday's trip to Merseyside poses an opportunity to right last weekend's wrongs and put the foundations in place for the run-in.

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