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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Five things learned from Manchester United training as youth get chance to impress before Chelsea

Manchester United returned to training at Carrington on Tuesday ahead of Thursday night's rescheduled clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

United's top-four hopes for this season look to be over after defeat to Arsenal on Saturday. Nuno Tavares and a controversial Bukayo Saka penalty put the visitors on the ropes but Cristiano Ronaldo gave them hope with a great finish.

It looked like Ronaldo's goal would be important when United earned a penalty of their own in the second half. However, Bruno Fernandes struck the post before Granit Xhaka scored a screamer to ensure the three points stayed in North London.

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Focus will now turn to Chelsea in the hope of building some momentum before Erik ten Hag arrives in the summer. Here's what we learned from today's Carrington training.

1) Alvaro Fernandez continues to work with the first team

Fernandez was the first of a number of United's youth stars to be pictured at training on Tuesday. The full-back has impressed since joining the United youth set-up from Real Madrid.

He has played in plenty of Neil Woods' side's Premier League 2 matches. With Alex Telles in stuttering form and Luke Shaw recovering from injury, Fernandez could be in line for a start against Chelsea on Thursday.

Alvaro Fernandez in action during Manchester United training (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

2) Hannibal Mejbri still holding his own

After featuring in a number of United matchday squads, Hannibal continues to hold his own in training. The Tunisian has so far made just the two first-team appearances.

The 19-year-old must see it as only a matter of time before he gets that first senior start for United.

Hannibal Mejbri taking on Raphael Varane in Manchester United training (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

3) Shola Shoretire pushing for his inclusion

Shola Shoretire will be desperate to make it into the United squad for this Thursday's clash. He was given the honour of representing the club in the Champions League earlier this season.

Like many of his academy teammates, Shoretire will be keen to show what he can bring to the table considering United's season is looking all but over.

Shola Shoretire pictured during Manchester United training (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

4) Dean Henderson battling for number one spot

It has been a rough campaign for Dean Henderson due to the fantastic form of David de Gea. However, there is room for optimism. Ten Hag attempted to sign Henderson in January so it may not be too long before he is given some more first-team football.

Dean Henderson pictured during Manchester United training (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

5) Eric Bailly hoping to get his way

The Ivorian centre-back joins Henderson on the list of players who have struggled to gain any first-team appearances in the 2021-22 season. Bailly even took to Instagram recently to plead for a return to the United starting XI.

Harry Maguire received an overdue rest on Saturday after a difficult week, so Bailly may well be in line to partner Raphael Varane after an underwhelming defensive display against Arsenal.

Eric Bailly watches on during Manchester United training (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

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