There was no World Cup action to sample on Wednesday with the last remaining eight teams in quarter-final action on Friday and Saturday.
There were, however, some club friendlies going on. Sure, Ajax 5-4 FC Volendam sounded like an absolute barnstormer and who doesn’t like watching Inter and Napoli rack up cricket scores, but most eyes were tuned into Cadiz’s clash with Manchester United.
A lot has happened since United’s squad split between World Cup stars and those left behind. Most notably, striker Cristiano Ronaldo has left the club after aiming criticism at manager Erik ten Hag in an interview with Piers Morgan.
He was obviously nowhere to be found as the Red Devils faced Spaniards Cadiz on Wednesday. Instead, there were appearances for exciting youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga, while Anthony Martial started up front.
However, any fan excitement quickly turned to bemusement as United quickly went 2-0 down.
A header from Carlos Garcia had Cadiz a goal up just eight minutes into the friendly before Choco Lozano smashed their second.
Cadiz hit the front early doors. Close-range header. Poor defending from Manchester United. 1-0.#MUFC
— George Smith (@_GeorgeSmith99) December 7, 2022
Oh Manchester United, how I’ve missed you pic.twitter.com/Ok8TOz6UQr
— Mitch (@mitchwilks) December 7, 2022
Cadiz are now 2-0 up. They transition against us and our boys just don’t get back with runners.
— UtdArena (@UtdArena) December 7, 2022
2-0 Cadiz. Wan Bissaka beaten on the overlap as they doubled up, simple pass across the box, dummy and rattled in. United not playing well in terms of defensive and midfield shape at all.
— United Peoples TV (@UnitedPeoplesTV) December 7, 2022
Man Utd are back 🔥🔥🔥
— Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) December 7, 2022
Our full backs are way off the pace
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) December 7, 2022
Cheers fellas really missed this feeling @ManUtd
— PATRON 🇵🇸 (@Patron_MUFC) December 7, 2022
United did manage to half the deficit before half time. Martial has obviously had one eye on events over in Qatar, producing a Panenka penalty not too dissimilar to Achraf’s Hakimi’s against Spain.
It even had some comparing the Frenchman to Erling Haaland because something something media bias something something.
20′ GOAL! As cool as you like, Martial scores from the spot! Cadiz CF 2-1 #mufc.
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) December 7, 2022
Anthony Martial has scored more goals than Erling Haaland over the past four weeks. You won’t hear anything about it though because the media hate Man Utd.
— Marty (@Martyjhill1) December 7, 2022
Such a first-half showing against a side currently 19th in La Liga is further evidence that greater squad depth is needed for Ten Hag at Man Utd.
The Red Devils want to sign Cody Gakpo, who recently spoke of their summer interest in him, as they look to reinforce their attack.
Credit: 90min.com
