Christian Eriksen scored on his Manchester United debut to help the Red Devils secure a 4-1 victory over Wrexham in a behind-closed-doors game on Wednesday afternoon.
United welcomed the National League club to their Carrington base for a 2pm kick-off which saw Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez make their first appearances for the club, albeit in a non-competitive sphere. The latter was unveiled by his new club on Wednesday after joining from Ajax in a £55million transfer to reunite with Erik ten Hag.
The United manager rotated heavily for the fixture against non-league opposition but No. 10 Eriksen did not take long to give the hosts the lead, scoring with a free kick. However, Wrexham sensed they could make inroads against an inexperienced Red Devils XI and defender Aaron Hayden equalised before half-time.
Fortunately, Ten Hag was spared blushes as wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Amad got on the scoresheet in the second half to earn a convincing win. Alex Telles also got amongst the goals after coming off the bench against the Welsh club. Garnacho's goal came despite the fact the 18-year-old did not feature at all for his club during their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
Among the other youngsters to feature was Matej Kovar, with the 22-year-old starting in goal. There was more experience in other areas of the pitch, especially in defence, where Aaron Wan-Bissaka and summer arrival Tyrell Malacia flanked Eric Bailly and Martinez.
James Garner and Donny van de Beek formed the midfield pivot behind an attacking midfield trio of Facundo Pellistri, Eriksen and Amad. Anthony Martial was given more pre-season minutes up front after a string of impressive performances in the southern hemisphere.
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There was also plenty of intrigue off the pitch due to the number of first-team regulars watching the action unfold. Cristiano Ronaldo was among those in attendance as speculation over his future continues to rage. Club captain Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were also present at Carrington for the fixture.
Little else is known about the behind-closed-doors game, but there will be nothing secretive about United's upcoming outings. The Red Devils travel to Norway for a friendly against Atletico Madrid on Saturday before Rayo Vallecano visit Old Trafford the following day. Ten Hag will then take charge of his first competitive game in the dugout as United host Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday 7 August.
Manchester United XI: Kovar; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Martinez, Malacia; Garner, van de Beek; Pellistri, Eriksen, Amad; Martial.
