A pre-season that began on July 12 in Norway ended in Dublin on Sunday as Manchester United completed their preparations for the new campaign with a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao.
A busy, globe-trotting summer has seen United compete in eight friendlies, starting against Leeds in Oslo, and took in games against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund in the United States, and against Lens at Old Trafford.
One day after the game against Lens, United were over in the Irish capital to play Bilbao as a much-changed team claimed a late draw thanks to Facundo Pellistri's equaliser with the last kick of the match. Nico Williams had earlier given Bilbao the lead in the 29th minute.
Now United turn their focus to the start of the Premier League season as Erik ten Hag's side open their campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Monday.
The National's football correspondent Andy Mitten was at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin to witness United's final pre-season game and has provided a few of his thoughts in the video above.
Man United player ratings v Athletic Bilbao
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MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: Tom Heaton – 6. Learning to play Ten Hag-ball in the second half of his 30s is a challenge, but one he’s doing well. Comfortable afternoon against technically proficient opponents, especially the goalscorer Williams. AFP -
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6. Defended well, limited in attack, despite frequently getting forward. Be interesting to see if Ten Hag starts with him or Diogo Dalot when the Premier League begins. AFP -
Victor Lindelof – 6. Comfortable and pushed up as United tried for an equaliser. Unlikely to be in the first XI with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane the first choice – and both available – for now. Getty -
Harry Maguire – 6. Caught out with the ball on 24 and then made a more costly mistake five minutes later which led directly to Bilbao’s goal. Encouraged by many fans after a few jeers. Better in second half and redemption of sorts by setting up the equalising goal. Getty -
Alvaro Fernandez – 6. Tested by his compatriot, the rapid Williams and it looked like he’d given a penalty away. Advanced well and came inside. Positive pre-season. Maybe another loan will be best for him this term. AFP -
Christian Eriksen – 6. His 67th minute free-kick went narrowly over – and that was about the best moment in a game where he looked average. PA -
Manchester United's Daniel Gore (left) and Athletic Bilbao's Oihan Sancet battle for the ball during the pre-season friendly match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture date: Sunday August 6, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Man Utd. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. -
Omari Forson – 6. Tried to get high and wide on the left wide and while the minutes and experience in front of the vast crowd will help him develop, he’s still got a ways to go. Getty -
Donny Van De Beek – 5. The first player to be taken off – at half time. That after a typically underwhelming performance. It’s hard to see how he has any future under the manager who helped make him at Ajax. Getty -
Facundo Pellistri – 8. Elicited the first roar of the game with a run after two minutes. Often fouled, often a threat though a 48th minute run saw a poor final ball. Took the equaliser well. A productive afternoon. AFP -
Jadon Sancho – 7. Should have scored with a first half chance in front of the vast 50,000 crowd. Carried the ball forward well at times, dribbled and passed the ball well. Yet his inclusion suggests he’s behind Garnacho. Getty -
SUBSTITUTES: Hannibal Mejbri – 7. The brightest of the substitutes, he was pulled back by Paredes within minutes when he was clear on goal, earning the Basque a red card. A lovely turn drew applause, as did a volley. AFP -
Jonny Evans – 6. The veteran Northern Ireland defender was widely applauded when he came on during an afternoon when there wasn’t enough to cheer about. Getty -
Joe Hugill – 5. The tall, slight, forward is training well enough to receive first team minutes, but made little impact. Reuters -
Noam Emeran – 6. The last of the substitutes, he looked lively. AFP
