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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Four things spotted in Manchester United training as Reds prepare for Wolves fixture

Manchester United returned to Carrington on Wednesday after a successful performance against Nottingham Forest in their return to Premier League action.

Erik ten Hag could not have asked for a better first match back as the Reds steamrolled through the relegation-threatened visitors. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred were all among the goals as United moved to within a point of Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.

Next up for the Reds is a tricky trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on New Year's Eve. Wolves won on Boxing Day in Julen Lopetegui's first league fixture as manager of the West Midlands club.

ALSO READ: Ten Hag is starting to do what Ferguson did

The hosts are still in the relegation conversation but a bumper festive crowd will be hoping to see Lopetegui collect his first home victory in the Premier League. With another tricky match around the corner, MEN Sport has taken a look at United in training and this is what we spotted.

1) Focus on keeping possession against the press

United focused their training session trying to keep possession away from an aggressive pressing defence. The objective of this session was to score in mini-goals at either end of a smaller pitch.

Both offensively and defensively, the Reds players were working hard to show that they can cope with this approach in the Premier League. It would appear that Ten Hag has pinpointed this side of the game as an area United can improve on.

Manchester United players attempt to keep possession (MUTV)

2) Lisandro Martinez back amongst it

United's World Cup-winning centre-back returned to Carrington on Wednesday and was straight back in amongst the action. For the past week and a half, Martinez has been in Argentina celebrating his incredible success in Qatar.

Ten Hag made it clear that he wanted Martinez back sooner rather than later and the club will be delighted that he is now with the Reds again. The 24-year-old was seen taking part in the session above and looks to be in contention for a return to the starting line-up.

Lisandro Martinez pictured on the left in training (MUTV)

3) Donny van de Beek vocal

One of the standout players captured in the United training session was Van de Beek. The Dutchman has not had the best times at Old Trafford and things haven't been any easier so far this season.

However, this has not stopped him from being vocal and showing his senior squad qualities. Van de Beek showed he was eager to give the younger members of the training group instructions and lead from the front in a defensive capacity.

Donny van de Beek (front) showing his senior leadership qualities (MUTV)

4) Rhys Bennett continues to feature

As mentioned above, United continue to integrate the younger players during their training. One player who stood out was Bennett who did not seem to be overawed by the company he was sharing on the pitch at Carrington.

In the absence of Martinez and Raphael Varane, Bennett has broken onto the bench with the first team post-World Cup. It is clear that he is comfortable in his new surroundings and Ten Hag will be impressed with his attitude.

Rhys Bennett in action at Carrington (MUTV)

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