WHICH REDS HAVE BEEN CALLED UP FOR SEPTEMBER’S INTERNATIONALS?
The first international break of the season is upon us. It’s a busy time for the Manchester United squad, with several Reds called up for duty across the UEFA Nations League and an array of international friendlies that will provide vital preparation time ahead of the World Cup’s kick-off in November.
Here’s a rundown of who has been selected and which fixtures to look out for…
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Dean Henderson (currently on loan at Nottingham Forest) were named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the difficult upcoming Nations League clashes against Italy and Germany.
Despite excellent form in recent weeks, both Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho missed out on Southgate’s final Three Lions squad before he names his World Cup selection.
Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot have once again been called up for Portugal, who face Czech Republic and Spain in their two competitive fixtures.
Scott McTominay has enjoyed a fantastic start to life under new boss Erik ten Hag. The combative midfielder will hope to carry his form into Scotland’s busy schedule of three games in seven days. McTominay will line up twice against Ukraine, with a clash against rivals the Republic of Ireland sandwiched in the middle.
Another midfielder in terrific form is Christian Eriksen, who has been named in Denmark’s squad for the challenging task of overcoming Croatia and France. The creative playmaker is likely to face United colleague Raphael Varane in the latter match after his dominant performances in our backline across the last month.
Tyrell Malacia has also been rewarded for his contribution to United’s improved form. The gutsy left-back, who has shown boundless energy and commitment since signing from Feyenoord in the summer, links up with Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad for their ties against Poland and Belgium.
Both Anthony Elanga and Victor Lindelof have been called up by Sweden and are set to face Serbia and Slovenia. New loan signing Martin Dubravka is also in the Slovakia squad to face Azerbaijan and Belarus.
There’s a heavy Reds influence in the Brazil squad, with four of our players named in Tite’s selection for friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia.
Antony, fresh from his heroic debut goal in the 2-1 win over Arsenal earlier this month, is joined by hard-tackling midfield partners Casemiro and Fred for the South American side. Alex Telles, who is currently on loan at Sevilla, was named among the Selecao’s defensive options.
Youngster Hannibal Mejbri, who joined Birmingham City on loan for the current season, will hope to face his Brazilian colleagues in Tunisia’s sole test of the international break.
Facundo Pellistri was named in Uruguay’s squad despite a recent period on the sidelines with injury. The 20-year-old talent will hope to get vital minutes in friendlies against Iran and Canada after impressing last time out for his country. Pellistri laid on an excellent assist for former Red Edinson Cavani during the 3-0 destruction of Mexico in June.
Eric Bailly is set to miss out on Ivory Coast’s friendlies against Togo and Guinea after suffering an injury during his loan with Marseille.
