Manchester United signed off their pre-season preparations by drawing 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao in a competitive clash, which saw the Spanish side reduced to 10 men.
The Red Devils fell behind in the first half when Harry Maguire’s loose pass was intercepted, with Nico Williams then sent racing away before finishing beyond Tom Heaton.
Athletic Bilbao had Aitor Paredes sent off in the second half for pulling back Hannibal Mejbri, one of Man United’s youngsters to show promise in the match.
Maguire redeemed himself in stoppage time when the United defender’s knock-down found Facundo Pellistri, with the Uruguayan equalising with a low effort into the bottom corner.
Mail Sport takes a look at some of the things we learned from Sunday’s pre-season friendly.
Manchester United wrapped up their pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao
Sancho completes his double shift at the ‘false nine’
On a weekend when United unveiled their big-money summer signing in Rasmus Hojlund for £72milllion, it was worth remembering that Jadon Sancho was that man two years ago.
Sancho looks a possible candidate to deputise for Hojlund as the Dane gets up to match fitness, after he sat out Atalanta’s pre-season matches to avoid risking the deal.
The 23-year-old was the only senior player to feature in both of United’s friendlies this weekend.
Sancho featured for the final 22 minutes as a substitute against Lens, suggesting he remains behind Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in Erik ten Hag’s forward line at present.
His versatility will undoubtedly prove useful, with Ten Hag trusting him to occupy both flanks as well as the No 10 role.
Sancho, however, featured again for United in the false nine role in Dublin and was heavily involved throughout the first half.
A missed one-on-one chance with Unai Simon may have only further displayed why a striker was essential for Ten Hag this summer, with Sancho cutting onto his left before giving the Spain goalkeeper a comfortable save.
Sancho was involved in United’s most promising moments in the first half and linked up well with Pellistri throughout.
Having completed just over an hour in Dublin, Sancho chalked up close to ninety minutes across the weekend’s friendlies. Whether he has done enough to start against Wolves remains to be seen.
Jadon Sancho was the only Man United player to feature in both friendlies this weekend
A swansong for Van de Beek?
Was that the last time Donny van de Beek appeared in a Manchester United shirt?
The Dutchman was a peripheral figure during the first half against Athletic Bilbao, despite showing some neat touches.
Van de Beek’s withdrawal at half-time will undoubtedly lead to questions on whether this match was his swansong in a United shirt, with the player and club potentially not wanting to risk a move.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to the Basque country to join Athletic Bilbao’s rivals Real Sociedad.
It is possible his next appearance against the club might be more fearsome than his one in Dublin.
Van de Beek was replaced by Hannibal Mejbri, who seemed far more eager to impress.
The midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Birmingham, regained possession and was fouled to force Paredes’ red card. Hannibal also struck over a difficult chance from inside the box.
Donny van de Beek played the first half as he continues to be linked with a transfer away
Goalscorer Pellistri shines for Man United
Pellistri’s stoppage time equaliser felt like a reward for the youngster’s attacking endeavour throughout the match.
The Uruguayan had immediately got Ten Hag’s side on the front foot in the match with a surging run up the field.
Pellistri had arguably been United’s brightest spark during the first half, with his link-up with Sancho particularly impressive.
The 21-year-old may well look to the strides Alejandro Garnacho made last season as inspiration, should he be kept around the first-team set-up after loans at Alaves.
There is clearly areas for Pellistri to work on, including his decision making in the final third.
His pace and trickery were on show here and could make him a useful impact substitute during the season.
He was victim to several fouls leading to yellow cards, although frustratingly waved an imaginary yellow in the direction of the referee to demand an Athletic Bilbao defender be booked.
Facundo Pellistri’s late equaliser was a reward for the youngster’s lively display in Dublin
Maguire suffers boos after his role in a ‘stupid goal’
The scrutiny and pressure on Harry Maguire appears to ramp up with each error, despite the centre back being relieved of the club captaincy.
Maguire was at fault for Athletic Bilbao’s goal in Dublin after giving the ball away under pressure.
The 30-year-old attempted to play a pass through a tight gap to Dan Gore, but instead presented the ball to Inigo Lekue.
Oihan Sancet quickly fed the ball through space in the United defence, allowing Williams to race through and clip beyond Heaton.
It marked another tough moment for Maguire, who must feel that almost every time he makes a mistake he is being punished.
His woes continued post-match with Erik ten Hag labelling it a ‘stupid goal’, only a week on from the United boss having described his side’s sloppiness on the ball as ‘unforgiveable’ in their defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Harry Maguire was as fault for the opening goal as the pressure mounts on the defender
Man United boss Erik ten Hag labelled Athletic Bilbao’s opener as a ‘stupid goal’ post match
Maguire had notably received a blast from Andre Onana for giving away possession in that match.
Pockets of the Dublin crowd were also heard booing Maguire following his mistake against Athletic Bilbao, although sections of the crowd also gave him encouragement.
His future at the club looks increasingly uncertain, particular as if he remains his likely role will be as a back-up on the right side of central defence. A sympathetic view would be that his latest error simply highlighted his discomfort in the role, rather than lining up in his preferred position on the left.
West Ham remain interested in Maguire and could represent a chance to rebuild under less pressure.
Maguire, who was far from the only United defender looking troubled by the pace of the Williams brothers, did end the match on a high with his assist for Pellistri’s equaliser.
Ander Herrera feels the love
The reception Maguire had was in stark contrast to that one received by Ander Herrera.
Herrera was brought on with 15 minutes remaining in Dublin, with the ex-United midfielder receiving a rapturous ovation from the crowd.
The now 33-year-old returned last summer to Athletic Bilbao, who he left in 2014 to complete a £29m move to Man United.
Herrera clearly remains fondly remembered following his five years at Old Trafford, where he made 189 appearances for the club.
Ander Herrera felt the love of the Manchester United supporters as he played his former club
The Spaniard had been part of the United sides that lifted the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017, as well as achieving FA Cup success in 2016.
‘It is always fantastic to play in front of these fans,’ Herrera told MUTV post match. ‘‘Today here in Dublin. It was fantastic.’
‘They have shown me the support, the love and they know I feel the same for the club, for all of them. ‘So I hope both teams, can have a great season. Thanks to all of them for their love, for their support. And they know I will never forget them.’
Herrera had enjoyed a trophy laden spell with PSG after leaving United in 2019, winning two Ligue 1 titles, two French Cup and the French League Cup.