Manchester United’s world tour for the summer pre-season has come to an end, as a youthful United XI travelled to Dublin, the following day after United’s clash with Lens. With a hectic schedule, it’s debatable as to whether the amount of travel and matches could lead United into the season well prepared and fit, or possibly likely to suffer an early season crash after their travels. Despite this, the clash gave more of United’s fans to see the team play live, something which the finance staff and marketers will be pleased with.

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Teams

Manchester United: Heaton, Fernandez (Evans 64′), Lindelof, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, Eriksen, Gore (Emeran 80′), Forson, Van de Beek (Mejbri 46′), Pellistri, Sancho (Hugill 64′)

Subs: Jurado, Kovar, Collyer, Wooster

Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Lekue (Nolaskoain 76′), Paredes, Vivian, de Marcos, de Galarreta (Herrera 76′), Vesga, Muniain (Albeniz 75′), Sancet (Gomez 56′), Williams (Villalibre 46′), Williams

Subs: Prados, Guruzeta, Marton, Agirrezabala, Ares, Garcia

Manchester United 1-1 Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United rounded off their pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin. In front of a lively Aviva Stadium crowd, Erik ten Hag’s side showed flashes of sharpness despite fielding a youthful XI, as senior players were rested following the previous day’s friendly against Lens. Bilbao, known for their intensity and organisation, proved stubborn opposition, forcing United to dig deep to avoid defeat.

The Spanish side struck first just before half-time, when Nico Williams capitalised on a defensive mix-up to coolly slot past Tom Heaton. United’s youngsters, however, responded with admirable energy and composure after the break. Hannibal Mejbri and Facundo Pellistri provided a spark down the flanks, while Jonny Evans, returning to the club on a short-term deal, marshalled the back line with trademark calm. As the minutes ticked away, it looked like Bilbao would hold firm, but United’s persistence finally paid off in stoppage time.

In the dying moments, substitute Pellistri pounced to tuck home an equaliser after fine work from Harry Maguire, sending the United fans into raptures. It was a deserved reward for a spirited display that showcased both the grit and depth of Ten Hag’s squad. While not the perfect ending to pre-season, the performance offered plenty of positives ahead of the Premier League opener, especially the hunger and resilience shown by United’s emerging talents.

Talking Points

Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao in Dublin marked the end of an eventful pre-season, giving Erik ten Hag a final look at his squad before competitive action resumed. Across their summer fixtures, United showed promising signs of progress, tightening defensively, pressing with greater intensity, and integrating a handful of young players into the setup. The late equaliser from Facundo Pellistri ensured the Reds ended their preparations on a positive note, but the real focus now shifts to consistency and cohesion as the Premier League season looms.

One of the key talking points from the game was Ten Hag’s heavily rotated line-up, a necessity after the first team featured against Lens at Old Trafford just 24 hours earlier. The youthful side, including the likes of Hannibal, Dan Gore, and Alvaro Fernández, showed determination and maturity against an experienced Bilbao outfit. Veterans such as Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire provided valuable leadership, while the game offered fringe players a final opportunity to stake their claim. The rotation may have disrupted rhythm, but it also underlined the manager’s trust in his developing squad depth.

However, the decision to play back-to-back matches in two different countries raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. The quick turnaround and additional travel, coming after an already demanding tour across the United States, highlighted concerns about fatigue and scheduling in modern pre-season campaigns. While commercial and fan engagement benefits are undeniable, the hectic itinerary offered little recovery time for players gearing up for a long, gruelling season. As United head into competitive fixtures, Ten Hag will be hoping the logistical strain doesn’t take its toll on fitness and sharpness in the weeks ahead.