Internationals: Six talking points
It’s been a busy few days for Manchester United players while on international duty, with a host of first-team stars representing their respective countries.
With so many Reds in action, it can be difficult to stay on top of the latest United news, so we’ve selected some of the more interesting stories from the latest round of international games…
SOUTHGATE DISCUSSES RASHFORD'S POSITION
Marcus Rashford impressed for England in Saturday’s 4-0 win against Bulgaria and his trickery and pace earned a penalty in the second half.
The attacker played from a wide area during the Euro 2020 qualifier at Wembley - a position he has mainly adopted for United this year, and one coach Gareth Southgate believes he thrives in.
“A lot of his best work is in that inside-left channel, coming in off the line, and I don’t think that’s a problem,” said the England boss after the match. “I just think we have to be aware that’s probably his profile and, to get the best out of him, they are the areas of the pitch that we need to get him into regularly.
“I think he can threaten teams in behind more. When he opens his legs and he runs in behind defences, that’s the last place they want to be.”
Harry Maguire played his first match for England since signing for United this summer. In doing so, the defender became the 67th Red to represent the Three Lions.
United are currently fifth on the list of highest club appearances for England, with Tottenham Hotspur leading the way with 77 players.
Maguire, once again, put in a superb performance for England and registered a clean sheet alongside former Red Michael Keane, at the heart of a back four.
LINGARD UPDATE
While Maguire did feature for the Three Lions, one man who did not was Jesse Lingard, after he was forced to withdraw from the squad through illness.
The midfielder was, unsurprisingly, left feeling frustrated at having to miss the double header of games and tweeted on Sunday to wish the Three Lions good luck in their next outing against Kosovo.
Frustrating that illness has meant I can’t be involved in these two games. Great result yesterday and sure the lads will get the job done again on Tuesday! pic.twitter.com/gFv2rWI3DG
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) September 8, 2019
David De Gea kept a clean sheet upon his return to the Spain team in their 4-0 victory against Faroe Islands on Sunday night.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, the keeper still was forced into action in the second half and pulled off a magnificent save to deny Joannes Bjartalid.
David’s night was made that bit sweeter in the latter stages when he was awarded the captain’s armband after Sergio Ramos was withdrawn in the 84th minute.
Nemanja Matic’s son and his son’s friend were among the interested spectators during Serbia’s qualification game with Portugal on Saturday night.
The two young boys were particularly fascinated by one player at the Red Star Stadium: Cristiano Ronaldo. The ex-United star produced his customary goal for Portugal in their 4-2 victory and even had time to pose for a quick picture with the children after the game.
As for Matic, he played the full 90 minutes in the match and is expected to again feature in Tuesday’s fixture against Luxembourg.
LINDELOF SCORES
Victor Lindelof produced a rare goal for Sweden in his country’s 4-0 win over Faroe Islands.
The defender latched onto some poor defending by the hosts in the 23rd minute and fired home a low shot, which put Sweden three goals ahead.
Our no.2 also played in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Norway, which leaves Sweden second in Group F after six games.
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