It might only be the first match of pre-season, but for some players, it might be the best opportunity they have all summer to stake their claim.
Manchester United officially begin their summer schedule when they face Leeds in Oslo tomorrow, and there will be a different look to Erik ten Hag's side for the match against their fierce rivals.
All eyes will be on Mason Mount as he gears up for a potential debut, but many of the main talking points will be about who is not there instead.
Most notably, David de Gea. The last time United played a match without the Spaniard on their books was in the 2011 Champions League final, when they lost 3-1 to Barcelona at Wembley.
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However, it could be a day when a young compatriot of his shines, with United set to give youth a chance while so many of their senior stars are yet to return to training.
United are due to welcome back 15 international players over the next week ahead of leaving for their pre-season tour of the United States, with those who were involved in last month's internationals entitled to a three-week break.
Among them are Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Alex Telles, which means United will be without all three of their senior left-backs for the clash with Leeds.
It means Alvaro Fernandez could get a chance to impress straightaway this summer, and without any senior competition around, it could be the best chance he gets as well.
The 20-year-old earned rave reviews during last season’s loan spell at Preston, where he won the Young Player of the Year award, and interest is high in him again this summer.
United wouldn’t have much trouble finding a top-flight suitor to take him on loan if they wished, though early indications suggest he could remain at the club next season instead.
Telles has been listed as a must-sell this summer, and Fernandez would be more than capable of joining the current set-up as their third choice selection.
There is a genuine belief that the former Real Madrid man could become a top full-back in the years to come, and United must decide whether keeping him in-house for another year would aid that development or not.
Ten Hag is eager to get a good look at Fernandez this summer and could look to include him during the first half of the campaign, when he would be more likely to get match involvement in the early stages of the League Cup and any dead-rubber Champions League group stage games.
Doing so would also allow the full-back to be available for the EFL Trophy matches if required, though he has already proven at Preston that he has what it takes to play at a senior level.
However, doing so could risk ruining his momentum, and there is the conflicting argument that after excelling in the Championship, he should now be tested at an even higher level on a regular basis.
It creates a fascinating dynamic heading into the summer tour, and how he performs in the first few matches will likely influence what happens next.
United’s first friendly might not grab too many headlines, but for Fernandez, it could be his biggest audition yet.
