5 things noticed from Man Utd training as first team stars meet Ten Hag

Manchester United's international stars began pre-season training on Monday as they endured their first Erik ten Hag session ahead of the club's tour of Thailand and Australia.

Ten Hag's side fly out to Asia on Friday for a number of friendlies against the likes of Liverpool, Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid. They return to Old Trafford to face Rayo Vallecano on July 31 - a week before their Premier League opener at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The bulk of United's first-team squad are all now back in training following those Nations League matches in mid-June and those continental players took part in their first session under the new boss. So, with that in mind, here are five things noticed from their latest pre-season session.

1) Ronaldo absent

The 37-year-old was due back in training but was granted some extra time off because of 'family reasons' amid the uncertainty surrounding his United future. It was revealed on Saturday that Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy he will not be playing Champions League football next season and wants to leave if the club receive a satisfactory offer for his services despite re-joining just a year ago.

Having scored 24 goals in 38 appearances last campaign, it is understood Ten Hag sees Ronaldo as an important member of the squad and is firmly part of his plans. But Ronaldo hopes to secure a move elsewhere with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Napoli all interested in the five-time Balon d'Or winner.

2) International stars return

Bruno Fernandes was amongst the many international stars to return to United training after he starred for Portugal across their four Nations League games. The 27-year-old was heavily criticised for his attitude and performances last season as the Red Devils finished with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally. This did not stop him scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in 45 games, however.

Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Fred were also back for pre-season after featuring for their countries. Meanwhile, James Garner was spotted as he returns from his highly-successful campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he helped them return to the Premier League.

3) Point to prove

Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton, Donny van de Beek will no doubt have a point to prove and he has not got a better chance to do that under Ten Hag, who he worked with at Ajax. The Netherlands international has showed glimpses of what he is capable of but nowhere near the standards expected from a player that cost almost £45million.

Van de Beek was pictured working hard on a fitness drill as he tries to get back up to speed, and although he has not performed as well as he would have hoped, there is no doubt he is talented enough to stake a claim. He could be joined by fellow Dutchman Frenkie de Jong in the United midfield this summer.

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4) Wan-Bissaka ready to fight for his place

After struggling for regular game time, Wan-Bissaka has returned to pre-season training in determined mood to get his place back. The former Crystal Palace right-back has been doing extra work behind the scenes to get himself ready and sharp for the new campaign, including fitness and technical based drills.

The 23-year-old was pictured looking upbeat and positive as he looks to force himself into Ten Hag's plans despite being linked with a move away from the Red Devils. Palace are reportedly interested in re-signing the defender, however, Wan-Bissaka is keen to stay at United and show the new manager what he can offer.

5) Ten Hag getting stuck in

Erik ten Hag had a solid albeit unspectacular career as a player. He played over 300 senior games in the Netherlands, enjoying his best spell as captain of FC Twente, where he won the Dutch Cup in 2001.

After that, he went into coaching with his hometown team and has enjoyed a much more successful career already on the other side of the touchline. But that doesn't mean he won't always be a player at heart - and he couldn't resist the urge to show off his skills at Carrington.

Ten Hag was pictured showing his ball skills by juggling the ball as his stars were put through their paces as he showed his squad he himself can play a bit. He also looked animated on the training pitch, and focused to ensure his players are on the right track.