Manchester United have enjoyed their final training session in Melbourne ahead of their trip to Perth where they will take on Aston Villa this Saturday.
The squad seem in high spirits after notching three wins on the bounce this pre-season, with their attackers in good form. Erik ten Hag has seen his side concede just twice and score 11 goals against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
United are set to welcome two new faces into the fold later this month when new signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez join up with their teammates in Norway on July 30. But the main group currently have their focus on Villa in what may be their sternest test of pre-season so far.
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Ten Hag, therefore, was keen to put his players through their paces again as the squad — which still does not contain the absent Cristiano Ronaldo — work their way up to peak fitness ahead of the start of the Premier League on August 6.
Here are three things spotted in United ’s latest training session:
Martial and Rashford in good spirits
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have enjoyed a successful pre-season so far. The former has netted in every game, making the most of Ronaldo’s no-show to stake a claim for the centre-forward's spot.
Rashford has tallied two goals himself and looks to be revitalised under Ten Hag. Both were seen laughing and smiling during training — contrasting emotions to what they were showing just a few months ago.
Varane and Garner back on the pitch
Raphael Varane and James Garner were both left out of the squad for the Palace win on Tuesday. They were omitted as injnury precautions but have since returned back to training and could face Villa.
Varane played in the win over Liverpool but missed the game against Melbourne Victory while Garner is yet to feature under Ten Hag this summer.
Garnacho eager to impress
Another youngster to not yet play for the club this pre-season is Alejandro Garnacho. The 18-year-old had a memorable season last term, lifting the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford after netting a brace in the final and earning his first two senior appearances.
He has been backed to push for a place in Ten Hag’s squad next season, albeit that prospect is now looking more dull. The Argentine looked focused in training as he hopes to prove he has what it takes for the first team.
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