Days after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers, several first team players left Manchester to join up with their national teams. So let’s take a look at how the United players fared on international duty.
Lingard resurrects form on international duty
A new and more confident Jesse Lingard has come back to United following a successful loan spell at West Ham. The England international has been superb throughout pre season and was unlucky to miss out on a starting place against Leeds. Lingard, 28, tested positive for Covid-19 and therefore was forced to self isolate. However, the attacking midfielder was in fine form on international duty. Lingard got two goals and an assist in his only start against Andorra. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were also in good form for England. The pair combined effectively in the 4-0 rout against Hungary. Shaw was provider and Maguire’s powerful header found the back of the net. New signing Jadon Sancho withdrew from the England squad after picking up an injury in training.
Ronaldo makes history
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the internet when he chose to rejoin Manchester United over Manchester City and then stole the headlines again; this time it was with Portugal. Ronaldo made history with a late brace against Ireland. The 36-year-old surpassed the record held by Ali Daei for scoring the most goals in international football. Ronaldo has now scored an amazing 111 international goals. His Portuguese and club teammate, Bruno Fernandes, also put in some brilliant performances for Portugal. Fernandes got himself on the score sheet in the second match and also assisted Bernardo Silva in a MOTM performance against Azerbaijan.
Fitness building for United’s French Stars
Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial were also selected in the France squad and this will be highly beneficial for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Due to the plethora of attacking talents at Manchester United, Martial hasn’t had many minutes. The Frenchman got some valuable minutes in the tank and got himself on the scoresheet against Ukraine. Midfield maestro Paul Pogba started all three games and was at his creative best. Varane, who made his debut against Wolves, also gained valuable fitness during the international break.
A successful international break for United’s stars?
Elsewhere, Victor Lindelöf’s Sweden came out victorious against David De Gea’s Spain. Eric Bailly featured for Ivory Coast and Dylan Levitt was also involved for Wales. Overall Manchester United’s stars have had an almost perfect international break. Minutes in the tank for squad players and no new injury concerns. Key players such as Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo will go into the game against Newcastle with confidence after the impressive performances for Portugal.
