Which Manchester United Players Will See Action During The International Break?

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Manchester United tend to have lots of international players on their squad. This upcoming break won’t be the exception, as the majority of the side will participate in international matches all over the globe.

Here is a list of all the first-teamers that will be included in their respective country squads ahead of the international break.

England

The Three Lions’ manager Gareth Southgate has chosen three United players for the upcoming friendlies against Italy and the Netherlands. Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford have all made the cut, but several other eligible players were not picked by the former defender.

The most surprising English snub is the one of Chris Smalling, who has been playing at a very decent level of late. Phil Jones was not chosen either, but that shouldn’t be surprising considering how poor he has looked at times. The same goes for Luke Shaw, who has barely seen the pitch of late and should be on his way out of Old Trafford next summer.

Italy

Things are not quiet in Italy, as the team failed to clinch a berth in the 2018 FIFA World Cup after losing against Sweden in the playoffs. As such, the team is expected to undergo a massive rebuilding process where Luigi Di Biagio will be the caretaker for the upcoming friendly matches against England and Argentina. And while his squad is filled with veterans and newcomers, United’s defender Matteo Darmian is there. He is expected to be the team’s starting right-back.

Belgium

Contrary to most teams, Belgium will only play one game – against Saudi Arabia in March 28. Both Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini were included on Roberto Martinez’s squad. The Red Devils are looking to make the final cuts ahead of submitting the final 23-man list. Both United players are expected to make the cut, however.

Scotland

This one is a bit surprising. Scott McTominay was eligible to represent England and Scotland at international level having never played for either nation’s youth sides. He met with both managers, but decided to play for this father’s country. As such, the 21-year-old is now expected to make his international debut for the Scots side on March 23 against Costa Rica. He will also have the chance to feature against Hungary next week.

Argentina

Jorge Sampaoli will lead Argentina against two European heavyweights such as Italy and Spain. As such, the manager has decided to call-up most of his regulars. This means both Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo will be in the squad, but their involvements might differ. Romero will remain as the starting goalkeeper, that’s a given. However, it remains to be seen whether Rojo plays as a starting centre-back, as a left-back. In fact, he might not even starts and could wait for his opportunity on the bench.

Chile

Chile were one of the top teams that didn’t make it to the World Cup. However, that’s in the read view now, and they will undergo a new process with Reinaldo Rueda in charge. The Colombian tactician will make a few changes to the side, but one name that will remain in the squad is Alexis Sanchez. The talented winger will try to put behind some negative performances with The Red Devils, and will try to gain his confidence back playing with La Roja. Chile will play against Sweden and Denmark.

Sweden

Victor Lindelof will likely play for Sweden in the upcoming friendly matches against Chile and Romania. The centre-back has not been at his best this season, but he remains the country’s best centre-back. As such, his poor form at the club level will not prevent him from representing the country in the upcoming tournament. If anything, these two games could allow him to gain his confidence back.

Spain

David De Gea will be in the squad for the upcoming friendly matches for Spain against Germany and Argentina. As it has been the case in most of the past few matches, expect the former Atletico Madrid star to remain as the starter going forward, a role that he will also likely fulfill in the upcoming World Cup. Juan Mata and Ander Herrera, however, were not chosen by manager Julen Lopetegui.

France

Les Bleus will have two pivotal matches during March. They will take on Colombia and Russia, perhaps in an effort trying to simulate what Peru and Denmark might do during the World Cup Group Stage. And knowing he still has to make several decisions, Didier Deschamps has chosen his best players available. Ergo, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial have been included on the squad. Pogba is likely to make the World Cup squad, though. Meanwhile, Martial will probably get his last chance to impress the coaching staff in these two games.

Serbia

Serbia will take on two African opponents such as Serbia and Morocco. Nemanja Matic will be there since he’s the vice-captain of the side. He has his place in the World Cup squad all but assured.

Ivory Coast

Despite the fact The Elephants didn’t qualify for the World Cup, they will still play in the international break since they will take on Togo and Moldova. The manager Marc Wilmots picked a strong squad, and centre-back Eric Bailly is part of the team. As it has been the case in recent years, he’s once again expected to be one of the defensive leaders for a side that is looking for a bounce-back performance as soon as possible.

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