A number of Manchester United stars have been representing their national teams in the last few days and Erik ten Hag will be desperate to see them all return fully fit.
Morale is still sky high around Old Trafford after the final game before the international break saw the Red Devils dump rivals Liverpool out of the FA Cup with a last-gasp winner in extra time to triumph 4-3. As a result, a semi-final clash with Championship side Coventry City at Wembley awaits Ten Hag’s side.
While the FA Cup is United’s last chance of silverware this term, there is still hope of Champions League qualification as well. The 13-time Premier League winners currently sit sixth in the table, but it looks increasingly likely that fifth-place will be enough to seal a place in European club football’s most prestigious competition.
The Red Devils are six points adrift of Tottenham who are one place above them in fifth. Mirror Football has taken a look at the main headlines emerging out of Old Trafford.
Mainoo praised by Rice
United’s teen sensation Kobbie Mainoo earned his first England cap at senior level on Saturday night, coming off the bench to feature against Brazil. It marked the next step in a sensational rise for the 18-year-old, who only made his full Premier League debut in November.
After the game, Mainoo was the subject of praise from a number of his colleagues for club and country. The teenager took to Instagram to write: “Special feeling making my senior England debut at Wembley and in front of my family. A moment I will never forget. Now we bounce back and refocus for Tuesday.”
The comment section was littered with compliments, with Rice writing: “Many more to come! Congrats bro.” United skipper Bruno Fernandes added: “First of many,” while Harry Maguire contributed: “Deserved mate.”
Hojlund loses his cool
Rasmus Hojlund was notably frustrated throughout Denmark’s 0-0 draw against Switzerland on Saturday night.
Danish publication BT reported that the young striker looked ‘ready to boil over’ after not being found on the pitch by some of his team-mates, including Hojlund’s United colleague Christian Eriksen. The Red Devils forward was withdrawn seven minutes before the full-time whistle.
United target issues future update
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo insists he has no desire to leave Camp Nou amid rumours that United are keen on the Uruguay international.
“There’s been a lot of talk about this issue, but I’m happy in Barcelona,” Araujo said, as translated by Football Espana.
“In addition, we have to finish the season well because there are still challenges, also with Uruguay with the Copa America.”
Araujo was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford while Raphael Varane was sidelined with an injury. The ex-Real Madrid ace has since played his way back into the fold under Ten Hag.
