Five things we learned from Manchester United training pictures in Marbella
Manchester United’s players have been out in Spain on a mid-season training camp this weekend.
It comes ahead of next week’s Premier League match with Chelsea, which kicks off a hectic run of fixtures in three competitions, with six matches in quick succession.
While there were notable injury absentees like Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, United had a healthy squad out in Marbella.
Here is a look at five things we learned from the training photos…
Tuanzebe and McTominay involved
Scott McTominay and Axel Tuanzebe are yet to feature for United in 2020 due to injury.
Their inclusion on this trip was positive, but it was unclear how involved they would be.
Both players were seen being put through their paces in the head as they stepped up their return to fitness, both doing ball work as well as running.
They were working away from the main group, and so it may be a stretch for them to feature away at Chelsea next Monday, but the following weekend at home to Watford could see both involved.
Fernandes looks settled in
New signing Bruno Fernandes already looks comfortable with his new teammates.
The new midfielder was seen smiling with Diogo Dalot on the exercise bikes.
He is used to hot weather like this in Portugal so no wonder he was happy. Manchester won’t be like this.
Gomes and Garner still getting chances
Despite their first team opportunities looking limited, Angel Gomes and James Garner were both given a chance to show what they can do.
The duo were both denied loan moves in January, and so United have responsibility to justify that decision and try and work them into the first team picture.
This was a good opportunity for both of them to try and impress amid a fresh start, heading into the business end of the season.
Fosu-Mensah being considered for first team
Timothy Fosu-Mensah’s inclusion on this trip was a vote of confidence from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he steps up his injury rehab.
With the under-23s flying to Portugal for a training camp of their own plus a friendly match, like Gomes and Garner there was some uncertainty which squad Fosu-Mensah would fall into.
The Dutchman faces an uphill battle to force his way into United’s first team this season, but Solskjaer is giving him a chance.
Nathan Bishop is third choice
For now, Manchester United have a new third choice goalkeeper, new signing Nathan Bishop.
He was one of three goalkeepers included on the trip along with David de Gea and Sergio Romero.
This comes after Solskjaer told the club website Lee Grant is having surgery and will be out for the next three months.
Bishop, a deadline day signing from Southend, will be a regular feature in United’s first team set up between now and the end of the season.
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