Man Utd beat Barnsley in behind-closed-doors friendly as first-team pair impress

11 October 2023 , 13:59

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Man Utd beat Barnsley in behind-closed-doors friendly as first-team pair impress

Manchester United got another win under their belts on Wednesday as Erik ten Hag looks to build on Saturday's surreal win over Brentford - albeit in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

This time around, there was little in the way of injury-time fireworks or even television cameras. Instead, the Red Devils played a behind-closed-doors friendly against League One side Barnsley - and prevailed 3-0.

But in truth, the result at Carrington would have been of little significance. Of far greater importance to Ten Hag was allowing returning, or previously out-of-favour, players to get some much-needed minutes ahead of his side's next Premier League game against Sheffield United on October 21.

With a host of players currently away on international duty, it was reportedly an unfamiliar line-up that took on the Tykes. But there was a rare start for Dutchman Donny van de Beek, who got on the scoresheet after featuring just once in the Premier League this season.

And Antony also returned to the starting XI, having come off the bench in the previous games with Galatasaray and Brentford. The Brazilian forward was initially stood down from first-team action while he faced accusations of domestic abuse, but has since been reinstated with the 23-year-old not charged with any offences.

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However, three other players recently ruled out of action were notably absent. There was no place in the squad for Sergio Reguilon or Kobbie Mainoo, both of who have endured an injury lay-off.

Antony got some much needed game time for Man United (Getty Images)

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And it seems Jadon Sancho's banishment from first-team matters extends to private friendlies. The ex-England international remains stood down from the squad since his explosive fallout with Ten Hag following last month's defeat at Arsenal.

Winger Antony, meanwhile, is likely to be in the frame when United go to Sheffield United a week Saturday. That kicks off a critical nine days for the club, with a must win Champions League tie with Copenhagen following in midweek before a trip to Manchester City on October 29.

The outlook of United's current break from league action changed dramatically in the final moments of their game with Brentford at Old Trafford. Trailing 1-0 in injury time and heading for a fifth defeat in eight matches, Scott McTominay's late double snatched an incredible - and largely undeserved - three points.

Fraser Watson