Three Manchester United under-21 players train with first team squad as build to Carabao Cup clash begins

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Manchester United took a squad of 29 players to Spain for two pre-season friendlies, including numerous members of the under-21 and under-18 side.

But upon returning, Ten Hag’s first team training group has been reduced, with World Cup stars beginning to return, led by Facundo Pellistri, while Christian Eriksen has already begun individual training.

The under-21s are preparing for a clash with PSV Eindhoven on Monday night, while the under-18s face Middlesbrough on Sunday.

There are three under-21 players who may miss the tie against the Dutch side, because they could be involved with the first team instead.

Three Manchester United under-21 players train with first team

Kobbie Mainoo, 17, Rhys Bennett, 18, and Zidane Iqbal, 19, all trained with the first team on Thursday.

All three players were named among our ‘winners’ from the club’s tour to Spain, after making strong impressions in the two friendly matches in Spain.

Mainoo was on the scoresheet against Cadiz, while Iqbal won a penalty in the same game. Bennett played 75 minutes as a substitute against Real Betis after an injury to Teden Mengi.

Bennett was singled out for praise by goalkeeper Tom Heaton after the game, who praised his strong positional play.

All three are in contention for a place in the matchday squad against Burnley on Wednesday December 21, a Carabao Cup fourth round clash.

This is the game Erik ten Hag’s squad are now building towards, before the return of the Premier League against Nottingham Forest on December 27.

Iqbal made his first team debut just over a year ago as a substitute against Young Boys, but has not yet played a competitive minute under Erik ten Hag.

Mainoo was a substitute in a Premier League squad before the World Cup break but has not yet made his debut, while FA Youth Cup teammate Bennett has not yet made a first team squad.