Man United 1-1 Athletic Bilbao: FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED as Jadon Sancho double shifts and Harry Maguire feels the pressure

Manchester United signed off their pre-season preparations by drawing 1–1 with Athletic Bilbao in a competitive fixture, reducing the Spanish squad to 10 men.

The Red Devils fell behind in the first half when Harry Maguire’s loose pass was intercepted, then Nico Williams was sent racing off before finishing past Tom Heaton.

Athletic Bilbao had Aitor Paredes sent off in the second half for withdrawing Hannibal Mejbri, one of Man United’s youngsters who showed promise in the match.

Maguire recovered in stoppage time as United defender Facundo’s knockdown found Pellistri, with the Uruguayan equalizing with a low try into the bottom corner.

Mail sports takes a look at some of the things we learned from Sunday’s pre-season exhibition game.

Sancho completes his double shift with the ‘false nine’

On a weekend when United unveiled their big summer signing in Rasmus Hojlund for £72 million, it was worth remembering that Jadon Sancho was that man two years ago.

Sancho looks like a possible candidate to replace Hojlund as the Dane steps up to fitness, having sat out Atalanta’s pre-season games to avoid risking the deal.

The 23-year-old was the only senior player to take part in both of United’s friendlies this weekend.

Sancho came on as a substitute against Lens in the last 22 minutes, suggesting he currently remains behind Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in Erik ten Hag’s attacker.

His versatility will no doubt come in handy as Ten Hag is confident he will occupy both flanks and the number 10 role.

However, Sancho again played for United in the false nine role in Dublin and was heavily involved throughout the first half.

A missed one-on-one chance with Unai Simon may have only further demonstrated why a striker was essential for Ten Hag this summer, with Sancho cutting to the left before giving the Spanish goalkeeper a comfortable save.

Sancho was involved in some of United’s most promising moments in the first half, linking up with Pellistri throughout.

After playing in Dublin for just over an hour, Sancho scored nearly ninety minutes in the weekend’s friendlies. Whether he has done enough to start against Wolves remains to be seen.

A swan song for Van de Beek?

Was that the last time Donny van de Beek appeared in a Manchester United shirt?

The Dutchman was a fringe figure against Athletic Bilbao during the first half, despite some nice swipes.

Van de Beek’s withdrawal at half-time will undoubtedly lead to the question of whether this game was his swan song in a United shirt, with the player and club possibly not wanting to risk a transfer.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to the Basque Country to join Athletic Bilbao’s rivals Real Sociedad.

It is possible that his next performance against the club will be more terrifying than his performance in Dublin.

Van de Beek was replaced by Hannibal Mejbri, who seemed to want to impress much more.

The midfielder, who was loaned to Birmingham last season, regained possession and was fouled to force Paredes’ red card. Hannibal also shot in a difficult chance from inside the box.

Goalscorer Pellistri shines for Man United

Pellistri’s stoppage-time equalizer felt like a reward for the youngster’s attacking drive throughout the match.

The Uruguayan had immediately given Ten Hag’s team the lead in the match with a quick run-up across the field.

Pellistri was arguably United’s brightest spark during the first half, with his link with Sancho particularly impressive.

The 21-year-old defender may well take Alejandro Garnacho’s progress last season as inspiration should he remain in the first team after loan spells at Alaves.

There are clearly areas that Pellistri can work on, including his decision-making in the final third.

His speed and trickery were on display here and could make him a useful substitute during the season.

He was the victim of several fouls leading to yellow cards, although he frustratedly waved an imaginary yellow card at the referee to demand that an Athletic Bilbao defender be booked.

Maguire angry after his role in a ‘stupid goal’

The scrutiny and pressure on Harry Maguire seems to grow with every mistake, despite the centre-back being relieved of the club’s captaincy.

Maguire was at fault for Athletic Bilbao’s goal in Dublin after he gave the ball away under pressure.

The 30-year-old tried to play a pass through a tight gap to Dan Gore, but instead presented the ball to Inigo Lekue.

Oihan Sancet quickly fed the ball through space into the United defence, allowing Williams to race through and pass Heaton.

It marked another difficult moment for Maguire, who must feel like he’s being punished almost every time he makes a mistake.

His woes continued after the game with Erik ten Hag calling it a ‘stupid goal’ just a week after the United boss described his side’s sloppiness on the ball as ‘unforgivable’ in their defeat against Borussia Dortmund.

Maguire had notably received a blast from Andre Onana for giving away possession in that game.

Pockets of the Dublin crowd also heard berating Maguire after his foul against Athletic Bilbao, although sections of the crowd also cheered him on.

His future at the club looks increasingly uncertain, especially as his likely role will remain as a backup on the right side of central defence. A sympathetic view would be that his final mistake simply emphasized his discomfort in the role, rather than stepping into his preferred position on the left.

West Ham remain interested in Maguire and could be an opportunity to rebuild under less pressure.

Maguire, who was far from the only United defender concerned about the pace of the Williams brothers, finished the game on a high note with his assist for Pellistri’s equaliser.

Ander Herrera feels the love

The reception Maguire had was in stark contrast to that of Ander Herrera.

Herrera was brought on with 15 minutes remaining in Dublin, where the ex-United midfielder received a lavish ovation from the crowd.

The now 33-year-old returned to Athletic Bilbao last summer, having left in 2014 to move to Man United for £29 million.

Herrera clearly remembers fondly after his five years at Old Trafford, making 189 appearances for the club.

The Spaniard was part of United’s sides that won the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017, as well as FA Cup success in 2016.

“It’s always great to play for these fans,” Herrera told MUTV after the match. “Here in Dublin today. It was fantastic.’

“They have shown me the support, the love and they know I feel the same for the club, for all of them. So I hope both teams can have a great season. Thanks to all of them for their love, for their support. And they know I’ll never forget them.’

Herrera had enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at PSG after leaving United in 2019 to win two Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups and the French League Cup.