The international break couldn’t have come at a better moment for Manchester United, who just barely beаt Brentford in a nail-biter that relieved pressure on the manager and gave the club time to assess their ιnjury situation.

Many players are out for an extended period, while others are nearly back to full strength but still require game time. There are a few additional benchwarmers who might use some regular playing time as well.

Another behind-closed-doors friendly was played under Erik ten Hag’s watch, this time against League One club Barnsley.

United also played a friendly behind closed doors.

Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo will not be participating in the competition, as reported by The Peoples Person yesterday.

Despite having been training with the first squad for some time now, it appears that Mainoo, who sustained an unlucky ιnjury during pre-season, still has a ways to go before he can return.

Sergio Reguilon was almost included in Brentford’s matchday squad and was set to play, but he was ultimately left out.

Antony and Donny van de Beek reportedly started the game in an effort to gain game time and improve their match fitness.

United stated the Brazilian winger would only return once investigations were complete, and he did not reappear for nearly a month when claims of domestic abuse surfaced.

New United starters Donny and Antony

Ten Hag is in Ԁire need of a right winger, so his return and a couple of substitute appearances in the game provided an ideal opportunity to get some game time in and gain strength.

The club tried desperately to trade Van de Beek over the summer but was unsuccessful, and he was cut from the Champions League roster as a result.

He’ll be making an effort to impress his former Ajax coach after playing just 21 minutes for United this season between two substitute appearances.

United, who like Barnsley featured a plethora of young players, cruised to a 3-0 victory thanks in large part to a goal from the versatile midfielder.

Whether or if the goal improves his season’s chances is an open question. The participation of any additional first-team stars in the game is also unclear.