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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Four things spotted in Manchester United training as Erik ten Hag drops midfield hint

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United squad continued their pre-season preparations with another training session at Carrington on Thursday.

After meeting their teammates for the first time, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen were involved in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wrexham on Wednesday afternoon. The photos taken at Thursday's session mainly featured those who were granted rest-time for that game against National League opponents.

However, that meant big-name players were also back on the training ground after the 'secret' midweek challenge. Here are four things that MEN Sport spotted from this latest session at Carrington.

READ MORE: United have 11 transfer decisions to make

Ten Hag hints at midfield selection

United still want to sign Frenkie de Jong this summer, but time is running out to get the deal over the line before Ten Hag and his men get down to business. Scott McTominay and Fred were his preferred pivot on tour and, yet again, much of their work on the training ground was done together.

Anthony Elanga gets his tactical point across at Carrington. (Manchester United via Getty Images)

Elanga aims to get his point across

Despite bursting onto the scene last season, Anthony Elanga might have to wait in the wings for a little while now Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have returned to form. The aforementioned pair seem to be in the driving seat alongside Anthony Martial in the race to be named in Ten Hag's starting XI against Brighton, but Elanga clearly spotted something which needed a little tweak as he underlined his tactical progression on the training ground.

Eric Bailly clips one towards the crossbar in training. (Manchester United via Getty Images)

Bailly switches up role for shooting drills

One or two encouraging displays in Thailand and Australia seem to have done little for his first-team prospects and Eric Bailly could yet depart this summer. However, he remains a popular man on and off the training ground and any potential suitors watching might have taken a close look at his new-found shooting skills.

In-form Anthony Martial found himself surrounded by teammates. (Manchester United via Getty Images)

Players double up on in-form Martial

Martial was among the biggest winners on tour and, while his days at Old Trafford appeared to be numbered upon his return from Sevilla last season, the France striker has now been given one last shot at redemption. No wonder he was being monitored so closely after three goals in four outings.

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