Manchester United host behind closed doors friendly, after losing two games

Manchester United held a behind the scenes friendly with Everton, after their preparations for the Premier League restarting after the World Cup did not go to plan.

United have had a lot on their plates in recent weeks, even though they've not been in action whilst the World Cup has been going on in Qatar.

The club have seen Cristiano Ronaldo leave, after his contract was terminated in the wake of the explosive interview where he criticised them, his teammates and boss Erik ten Hag.

Even more surprising was the Glazers revealing that they could sell the club, much to the relief of pretty much every fan of the club.

With the World Cup coming to an end this weekend, thoughts will very soon be returning to club football, with Premier League sides set to play games starting next Tuesday, in the Carabao Cup.

United's preparations got underway just over a week ago when they took on La Liga side Cadiz, in Spain, losing 4-2 to their opponents, going 2-0 down before battling back, only to concede two more.

Their time in Spain continued to go badly, losing to Real Betis just a couple of days later, as Nabil Fekir scoring the only goal of the game, avoiding the spotlight as it was the same night England lost to France.

With two losses on the bounce, Ten Hag organised a behind closed doors friendly with Everton which, according to the Metro, ended in a 1-1 draw.

United took on Betis last weekend. Image: Alamy

Neither side have released many details about the game, or any footage, with no television crews or reporters in attendance at United's Carrington training ground.

However, the report from the game claimed that it was played with minimal intensity and was very much like a training match.

Ten Hag's side play against Burnley in the Carabao Cup next Wednesday but won't be at full strength for that game, or the league game with Nottingham Forest a few days later.

Players have been returning from Qatar at different times, depending on when their teams have been knocked out of the World Cup, and this will decide when they return to club action.

They are guaranteed to have a World Cup winner at least, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both taking some part in the final.

Varane could become a two time world champion. Image: Alamy

Youngsters Rhys Bennett and Kobbie Mainoo were involved in United's post-World Cup preparations, with Ten Hag having fewer options to pick from.

Jadon Sancho was one man who didn't go to the Middle East for the tournament but still wasn't around for the friendlies in Spain.

The England international, who has fallen out of favour with Gareth Southgate, had been in the Netherlands to work on his fitness.

It remains to be seen if the former Borussia Dortmund star will have done enough to return to the manager's plans in time for the Burnley and Nottingham Forest games.