Five United players who need a performance whilst away on international duty.
Manchester United players have been given some respite from their team’s poor start to the season, with United’s search for a maiden victory for Louis van Gaal having been put on hold for an international break.
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With most nations now having played a warm-up friendly, the European countries dive straight into the qualifying campaign for the 2016 European Championships in France in the coming days, just weeks after the end of the World Cup.
With places very much up for grabs in what is likely to be a new-look side under van Gaal, here are five stars who need to put on a show:
Phil Jones (England)
Having started alongside Gary Cahill for the Three Lions in their tepid friendly victory over Norway last week, it looks as though Phil Jones will be the choice for Roy Hodgson to partner Cahill when his team travel to Basel to face Switzerland in a crucial qualifying match. Having come in for some flack at the start of the season, he could do with a performance, with the eyes of the nation very much on him in Basel.
Daley Blind (The Netherlands)
New Manchester United signing Daley Blind will be on show for his national team before United fans are able to get a glimpse of him and their red shirt, with the versatile midfielder likely to start in a crucial qualifying match for Holland as they travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic.
Darren Fletcher (Scotland)
Midfielder Darren Fletcher is set to Scotland as they face up to the unenviable task of looking to get a result against World Champions Germany in Dortmund this evening, as Gordon Strachan’s side look to upset the odds. It is a huge season for Fletcher, who is looking to prove to manager Louis van Gaal that he is deserving of an extended contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of this campaign.
Wayne Rooney (England)
New England captain Wayne Rooney, who has also been given the armband for his club, came in for some criticism following his display in the friendly win over Norway, despite smashing home the only goal of the game from the penalty spot. This has followed the theme of his early season performances for Manchester United, having largely been anonymous in the draws at Sunderland and Burnley. Rooney needs to find some form soon – starting with England’s trip to Basel.
Robin van Persie (The Netherlands)
The arrival of Radamel Falcao at Old Trafford has put real pressure on Robin van Persie to prove that he is still worthy of a place in the starting line-up at the club, despite seemingly being a favourite of manager Louis van Gaal. Having not been in amongst the goals in the Premier League recently, finding the back of the net for the Netherlands in the Czech Republic could ease van Persie back to his best.