Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag selected 26 different players across the final two pre-season matches against Lens and Athletic Bilbao.
There were a further group of players who were unused substitutes too, and yet, the matches were also notable for who was not involved.
Kobbie Mainoo and Amad missed out due to injuries, they couldn’t help that. Dean Henderson and Anthony Martial continue to work their way back to fitness too amid uncertain futures.
Another two players missed the games which suggest their futures at the club could be in doubt…
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Fred snubbed again
Manchester United midfielder Fred was left off the club’s pre-season tour and has not been pictured in training since. This weekend he was left out of both matchday squads.
The Brazilian is being linked with an exit, and last week Fabrizio Romano reported Fred will ‘100 per cent’ leave Manchester United this summer.
His next move is yet to be finalised, but his absence from these latest two friendly matches was a further indication the Brazil international has no future at Old Trafford.
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United are expected to push for Fred’s exit, to finance a deal for Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, Romano reports.
Brandon Williams omitted
Another notable absence from the 1-1 draw with Bilbao was left-back Brandon Williams, who was also not involved against Lens.
Williams was a starter in Manchester United’s final friendly in the USA against Borussia Dortmund. He had an on-pitch argument with goalkeeper Tom Heaton, and was also caught out of possession for Joselu’s goal for Real Madrid.
It was Alvaro Fernandez who was preferred at left-back against Bilbao, and unless it emerges Williams was injured, then his absence paints a bleak picture of his prospects this season.
In recent days Williams has been linked with a move to Leeds, The Independent report, where Daniel Farke is manager, who previously signed him on loan for Norwich.