Winners and Losers: Man Utd's September International Break

8 months ago

In the world of football, the September international break is a time of mixed emotions for Manchester United and its players. As many as 15 Manchester United stars donned their national colors, showcasing their skills on the international stage. In this whirlwind tour of duty, some players emerged as winners, while others faced setbacks. Let's take a closer look at the Winners and Losers: Man Utd's September International Break.

Winner - Bruno Fernandes

Ten goals, two wins, and one man leading the charge - Bruno Fernandes. This Portuguese maestro left an indelible mark during the September international break, propelling his nation closer to Euro 2024 qualification. The United captain opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort against Slovakia, setting the stage for a crucial 1-0 victory.

But Fernandes was just getting started. He orchestrated a dazzling display of attacking prowess, notching up a remarkable hat-trick of assists in a resounding 9-0 thrashing of Luxembourg. To top it off, he added another goal to his tally in the closing stages of the match. United fans can only hope that Fernandes carries this talismanic performance into the Premier League when it resumes.

Loser - Jadon Sancho

While many United players showcased their skills on the international stage, Jadon Sancho's absence was conspicuous. Not only is he out of favor with the England national team, but his club career has also taken a sour turn. Despite his £73 million arrival from Borussia Dortmund barely two years ago, Sancho finds himself training individually due to a falling out with manager Erik ten Hag. Additionally, reports suggest that United is less than impressed with his reaction to the ongoing situation.

Winner - Rasmus Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund, the 20-year-old sensation, made his long-awaited debut for Manchester United just before the international break. The two Denmark matches provided a crucial opportunity for him to gain match fitness. Although he started as a substitute in both games against San Marino and Finland, he made significant impacts on the pitch, even hitting the post against the former. With six goals to his name, Hojlund currently shares the second-top scorer position in Euro 2024, alongside Scott McTominay.

Loser - Harry Maguire

For Harry Maguire, this year hasn't been one to remember. Unfortunately, the international break didn't provide respite from his struggles. In England's lackluster performance against Ukraine, he was overshadowed by his defensive partner, Marc Guehi. Maguire then found himself on the bench against Scotland, only to score an own goal shortly after coming on. These performances raise questions about his regular starting position at United when everyone is fit, and his England spot may also come under scrutiny if his form continues to falter.

Winner - Facundo Pellistri

The absence of Jadon Sancho and Antony, coupled with Amad Diallo's preseason injury, has created a void on United's right flank. Facundo Pellistri appears ready to step into the breach. While he has more international caps for Uruguay than first-team appearances for United in the last three seasons, Pellistri showcased his talent by starting for his country in a crucial World Cup qualifying win over Chile. He also earned valuable minutes as a substitute against Ecuador, hinting at his potential to claim the position as his own.

In conclusion, the September international break brought both triumphs and tribulations for Manchester United players. Bruno Fernandes stood out as a scoring sensation, while Jadon Sancho faced challenges both on and off the pitch. Rasmus Hojlund made a promising debut, but Harry Maguire's struggles continue. Meanwhile, Facundo Pellistri may just be the solution United needs for their right-wing conundrum. As the Premier League resumes, these international experiences will undoubtedly shape the future of the club.

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