Manchester United concede four in friendly defeat to Cadiz

Manchester United have suffered a 4-2 defeat to La Liga outfit Cadiz in the first of their two mid-season friendlies in Spain.

Erik ten Hag's side, who will be back in competitive action against Burnley in the EFL Cup on December 21, were two goals down inside the opening 14 minutes before levelling early in the second period, with Anthony Martial and Kobbie Mainoo on the scoresheet.

However, Cadiz went on to score twice more through Ruben Sobrino and Tomas Alarcon to secure the bragging rights in what was a lively mid-season encounter.

Despite being without a number of regulars due to the World Cup, Man United boss ten Hag could still name an experienced XI, with the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga, Donny van de Beek and Martial all starting.

Meanwhile, fit-again Brandon Williams featured at left-back, and there was a spot on the left of the front three for Alejandro Garnacho, who struck the winner against Fulham in the Premier League last time out.

Cadiz, meanwhile, had the likes of Alex Fernandez, Brian Ocampo, Ivan Alejo, Anthony Lozano and Alvaro Negredo in their starting side on Wednesday.

Cadiz took the lead in the eighth minute of the contest when Carlos Garcia headed an Alex Fernandez cross into the back of the net from close range.

Man United looked to hit back through Martial in the 10th minute, but the Frenchman's effort was kept out by the home side's goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma.

Cadiz doubled their lead in the 13th minute when Lozano picked out the bottom corner with a composed finish after more lacklustre defending from the 20-time English champions, with Alex Fernandez providing another assist for the home side, delivering a low cross from the right.

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Man United were awarded a penalty in the 20th minute when Zidane Iqbal was fouled inside the box by Luis Hernandez, and Martial stepped up to halve the deficit with a cool finish down the middle.

Iqbal was bright for the Red Devils in the opening half of action, with the youngster looking to get on the ball at every opportunity, but Cadiz continued to carry a threat on the break, and the La Liga outfit were ahead at the interval.

Ten Hag made 10 changes at the interval, with Charlie Savage, Shola Shoretire and Charlie McNeill among those to enter the field for the Premier League giants.

Man United were level early in the second half when Mainoo's deflected strike found a route into the back of the home side's net, with the youngster expertly working the space inside the penalty box.

Cadiz were back ahead in the 57th minute when Sobrino converted from close range after Alfonso Espino had driven a cross towards the far post.

Savage missed the target with a strike from 20 yards out in the 65th minute, and the home side scored a fourth in the 76th minute when Alarcon picked out the back of the net after a quick break.

Man United will now face Real Betis in their final mid-season friendly on Saturday, while Cadiz will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers next Tuesday before returning to La Liga action against Almeria on December 30.