Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag’s stinging verdict from Cadiz loss should worry five stars | Football | Sport

Both McTominay and Van de Beek, they’re performances would have likely frustrated Ten Hag the most as the midfield pair will likely be needed over the busy post-Christmas period. The Scotland international has fallen out of the starting line-up under Ten Hag with a midfield trio of Casemiro, Fernandes and Christian Eriksen preferred by the United boss.

It’s a similar position for Van de Beek, but he’s far down the pecking order at United and this performance didn’t help his cause. With Cristiano Ronaldo leaving, a space has opened up for more minutes in United’s attacking line and Elanga will be hoping he can prove his worth.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene last season, but he’s struggled to impress under Ten Hag and his display against Cadiz left a lot to be desired. All five will get another chance in United’s second friendly of the winter training camp in Spain on Saturday when they take on Real Betis.

And Ten Hag will be hoping his stinging verdict will get through to them for a better display before the season resumes later this month.