The October international break is over, and Ruben Amorim can breathe easy, knowing there are no new injury worries ahead of a game at Anfield.
Many Manchester United players, on loan and at the club, played for their countries, and had a mixed time of things.
It was broadly positive as Diego Leon celebrated his senior debut for Paraguay, and a couple of performances stood out.
Here is a ratings rundown of Man Utd players on international duty in October, excluding players on loan like Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, and Marcus Rashford, who have no future at Old Trafford.
Diego Leon – 6
It was a break to remember for Diego Leon as he made his senior debut for Paraguay. He came on in the 81st minute against South Korea in the 2-0 defeat.
More than the result or his performance, it marks a crucial stage in the development of the exciting youngster.
Patrick Dorgu – 7.5
Patrick Dorgu was loving life with Denmark, scoring and assisting in Denmark’s 6-0 win over Belarus where Hojlund also scored twice.
Dorgu’s good form comes at the perfect time as he is sure to start against Mohamed Salah at Anfield.
Benjamin Sesko – 5
Sesko is in the midst of his longest scoring drought for Slovenia, and things didn’t get much better on this break.
Two goalless draws, against Kosovo and Switzerland, meant Sesko cut a lonely figure up top in a Slovenian side that is struggling to find a spark. Hopefully, he is saving his goals up for Anfield.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Diogo Dalot got some much-needed rest as he played just 62 minutes in a 1-0 win against Ireland, before sitting out against Hungary.
The full-back showed his all-around game against Ireland, creating chances and doing his defensive duties well. Ideal scenario for Ruben Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
It was a quiet international break by Bruno Fernandes‘ standards, who always wreaks havoc for a rampant Portugal side.
As expected, Fernandes played both games, coming off in the 86th and 62nd minute respectively, but he couldn’t contribute a goal or an assist in either game. He did well against Ireland in a ball progressor role.
Bryan Mbeumo – 7.5
Bryan Mbeumo’s international break was more about quality than quantity, as he played just 15 minutes across two games but managed to score.
Amorim will be delighted as he gets a well-rested Mbeumo back for the marquee game, with him continuing his scoring ways with a late goal against Mauritius.
Amad – 8
Amad was the standout performer in the international break as his Ivory Coast hit a remarkable 10 goals in two games.
He didn’t play against Seychelles in the 7-0 thrashing, but returned to the side for 87 minutes against Kenya, against whom he hit a brilliant free-kick.
Some rest, huge wins, and a great goal. It was the ideal international detour for Amad.
Matheus Cunha – 7
Brazil suffered an upset loss to Japan, which followed a 5-0 win over South Korea, where Matheus Cunha assisted a brilliant goal.
Cunha played 25 minutes in the defeat against Japan, where the whole team was below-par, making his overall break slightly above average.
Casemiro – 7
Much like Cunha, Casemiro had an above-average time with Brazil, regaining captaincy but suffering a surprise loss to Japan.
Casemiro playing both games ahead of a showdown against Liverpool is not ideal.
James Scanlon – 6
It’s difficult to rate James Scanlon poorly because he plays for a Gibraltar side that are rarely favourites. He played in both games- a 0-2 loss to New Caledonia and a 0-3 loss to Croatia – so it was at least a good international experience for him.
Other mentions
Besides these players, loanees like Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford impressed for Denmark and England, respectively. Onana teamed up with Mbeumo and did well, while Ayden Heaven picked up an injury with England U20s.
Leny Yoro turned out for France U21s and returned injury-free, while Gabriele Biancheri impressed for the Wales youth team. Jack Fletcher’s new role continued for England U19s, and Harry Amass got some minutes too in the same side.
Senne Lammens’ wait for his senior Belgium debut continues, while Noussair Mazraoui missed both games after being called up. He should be ready for Liverpool now.
Leave a Reply