Ten Hag hails Man Utd's resilience after fighting back to draw against Athletic

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised his team's character after they fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday.

The Red Devils were trailing to a first-half goal from Nico Williams when Harry Maguire's red card for a foul on Hannibal Mejbri gave them a numerical advantage.

Facundo Pellestri scored the equaliser in stoppage time to secure a draw, and Ten Hag was impressed with his side's response to adversity.

"In one weekend, we lost two times, but you see this team have character and that's what you need in a season as well," he said.

"Sometimes you are down and then you have to show resilience and especially in such moments, you need determination. We have shown that this weekend, it was a good weekend for us."

Ten Hag also singled out Maguire for praise, saying that the England international had shown "great character" after his red card.

"Harry made a mistake, but he also showed great character to come back and help the team," he said.

"He headed the ball down for the equaliser and I thought it was a deserved goal."

The draw against Bilbao was United's second in their four pre-season friendlies so far, having also beaten Liverpool and Melbourne Victory.

They will now begin their Premier League season with a home match against Brighton on August 7.