Four things spotted in Manchester United training as Erik ten Hag drops midfield hint ahead of Atletico Madrid clash on Satuday

Manchester United’s pre-season preparations continued on Thursday with another training session at Carrington.

Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wrexham on Wednesday afternoon after meeting their teammates for the first time. The images from Thursday’s session primarily showcased players who were given rest time for the game versus National League opponents.

However, big-name players were also back on the practice field following the secret midweek challenge. Here are four observations made by MEN Sport during the most recent practice at Carrington.

Ten Hag teases a midfield lineup

United is still interested in signing Frenkie de Jong this summer, but time is running out before Ten Hag and his team gets down to work. Scott McTominay and Fred were his favored pivots on tour, and they did a lot of work together on the practice field.

Elanga intends to make his case.

Despite breaking into the limelight last season, Anthony Elanga may have to wait a bit longer now that Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have returned to form. The aforementioned pair appear to be in pole position alongside Anthony Martial to be picked in Ten Hag’s starting XI against Brighton, but Elanga definitely noticed something that needed a little tweak as he reinforced his tactical growth on the training ground.

Bailly switches roles during shooting practice.

One or two encouraging performances in Thailand and Australia appear to have done little for Eric Bailly’s first-team prospects, and he could leave this summer. However, he remains a popular guy both on and off the practice field, and any potential suitors watching may have taken a good look at his newfound shooting abilities.

Players are doubling down on the in-form Martial.

Martial was one of the tour’s greatest winners, and while his days at Old Trafford appeared to be numbered when he returned from Sevilla last season, the France striker has now been granted one more chance to redeem himself. It’s little surprise he was being watched so intently after scoring three goals in four games.