Opinion: Why international break is good news for United

Over the past few weeks, it feels as though the Reds have gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson. The depleted squad certainly lent itself to that analogy, before being dragged off the canvas late on against Brentford.

The last-gasp win has been described as a potential springboard for United, once we return to domestic action on Saturday 21 October, and Erik ten Hag will certainly be working meticulously to ensure that is the case.

In recent times, international matches have gone well for our players, with the aforementioned McTominay and United captain Bruno Fernandes just two of the Reds who came back from the September break with a spring in their step.

United are also contending with injuries at present, with the spell away from club football allowing time for those out to continue their rehabilitation and get closer to a return.

Three first-team left-backs (Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon) have been unavailable, with midfield arrival Sofyan Amrabat and centre-back Victor Lindelof both playing in the position in our previous fixtures.

Raphael Varane missed the win over Brentford too, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another of the players who, despite impressing hugely under Ten Hag, is unavailable for the Dutchman at the moment. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo is working his way back to fitness too.

Erik explained in his press conference before the game against the Bees that some players may be back in training and working towards full fitness by the time club football resumes.

"Not straight after the internationals [will they be available], but, during the international break, I think we will step up players into the squad," he said.

Of course, it's not all about injuries, though. McTominay's heroics mean that the Scotland international goes into their Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain - and friendly with France - in the same type of goalscoring form he has already shown for his country.

The 26-year-old is currently joint-second in the scoring charts for qualifying, with six strikes. Fellow Red Rasmus Hojlund is the other player to have got six goals, while former United forward Romelu Lukaku has bagged eight.

The internationals also present an opportunity for the likes of Marcus Rashford, who has looked dangerous but has not quite hit the same numbers as last season, to get back into his groove. Harry Maguire is also in the Three Lions' squad for the friendly against Australia and the European qualifier against Italy, and will be looking to build further on his impressive performance - and match-winning assist - for the Reds against Brentford.

United enter the latest break in high spirits but, as Maguire said to Sky Sports, it must be "a turning point" for our season.

Those playing for their countries will want to perform well for their nations and arrive back in Manchester in good heart. Those who are not away will, no doubt, be working hard, both tactically and physically, for the season's resumption against Sheffield United.

The opportunity is certainly there for the Reds; it is now a case of grasping it with both hands.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.