Ten Hag: I don't do friendlies!

The Reds are due to meet Cadiz on 7 December, before facing Real Betis three days later, with both matches scheduled to be shown live on the United App, ManUtd.com and MUTV*.

However, the boss has stressed he does not want to consider them friendlies, as he wants the Reds at his disposal to show they deserve first-team places when the domestic action resumes before the turn of the year.

"Ah, it's really competitive," said Erik of the two opponents, Cadiz and Real Betis. "It's what I like. I don't like friendlies. You need tough games to be ready for the restart and that is what we are preparing there."

Spain felt a natural choice for the club, as the more pleasant weather should be of some benefit in December.

“It’s always good to get the sun, to get the e from the energy in and, of course, that is why it is obvious that we chose that area,” he added.

The time in Spain will allow the members of the squad not competing in Qatar to keep in shape ahead of the resumption of domestic action.

Before the break, United have four games remaining - Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday before two fixtures with Aston Villa, one in the Premier League, the other in the Carabao Cup, and then a trip to London to meet Fulham in the final match before the focus switches to the World Cup finals.

*Live coverage of the games not available in Spain.

Tickets for Cadiz CF v United are already on general sale. For more information or to purchase tickets visit manutd.com/tickets.