Manchester United lost 4-2 against LaLiga side Cádiz in a friendly on Wednesday, despite battling back from a 2-0 deficit to momentarily tie the game at the Nuevo Mirandilla.
United responded to the home team’s goals by Carlos Garca and Anthony Lozano in the opening 14 minutes with a penalty kick by Anthony Martial in the 21st minute and a goal by Kobbie Mainoo three minutes after his halftime substitution.
Rubén Sobrino converted a cross in the 57th minute, and Tomás Alarcón added a fourth goal in the 77th minute to give Cádiz, the 19th-place team in LaLiga, the victory.
The game was designed to keep players who are not participating in the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar sharp before the instant return to club football following the winter competition.
Man United’s starting lineup consisted of seven Premier League veterans: Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga, and Anthony Martial.
United’s comeback began when 19-year-old midfielder Zidane Iqbal was fouled in the penalty area and Anthony Martial converted the ensuing penalty kick with a Panenka.
Mainoo, a 17-year-old midfielder who had yet to make his professional debut, equalized for the visitors with a deflected shot just inside the area.
United substituted all ten of its outfield players at halftime, while Cadiz made nine changes. It was the home team’s superior adaptability that ultimately led to their victory.
Erik ten Hag’s squad will also face Real Betis in Spain on Saturday before returning to competitive action three days after the World Cup final with a Carabao Cup round of 16 match against Burnley on December 21.
