While the World Cup is still ongoing, Erik ten Hag's thoughts are on preparing for the second half of the season.
United have travelled to spain to Spain and face Cadiz and Real Betis, but of course a large portion of the travelling squad will not be available. Casemiro, Fred and Antony have progressed with Brazil while Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford remain in Qatar as well and will face Raphael Varane's France in the next round.
This means a number of youngsters and fringe players will get their chance to impress plus the likes of Anthony Martial, who didn't travel to the tournament and has been suffering with injuries throughout the season, will get a chance for more minutes.
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The travelling squad is as follows: De Gea, Heaton, Bishop, Dubravka, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka, Williams, Mengi, Bernard, Jurado, Hardley, Bennett, Oyedele, Murray, Fredricson, Van de Beek, Savage, Iqbal, Gore, Hansen, Mainoo, Martial, Elanga, Shoretire, Garnacho, Hugill, McNeill, Emeran.
United's first opponents were Cadiz, who they faced on December 7th. Ten Hag's side lost 4-2 after an unorganised defensive display.
Cadiz are currently in the relegation places in La Liga, having only won twice, so Ten Hag's side were expected to get an easy result, but with many players missing because of the World Cup this was not the case. Despite the result, Anthony Martial will be happy that he scored his penalty and Kobbie Mainoo staked his claim for a young term place in the first team with a goal.
United's next fixture however is much more difficult. Real Betis under Manuel Pellegrini have been impressive this season, sitting sixth in the table. They will also have a number of first-teamers available who either did not travel to Qatar or were not selected.
United face the Spanish side on Saturday 10th December and kick-off is at 5pm. Both matches can be streamed live via MUTV.
United's next competitive fixture is on the 21st of December in the EFL Cup, after the World Cup concludes on the 18th. They will face Burnley at Old Trafford.
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