As the final international break of the season arrives ahead of the last run of the season, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces it untimely as his squad slowly picks up the pace with confident victories against Real Sociedad and Leicester City. Twelve United players have departed for national team duties ahead of their return to action against Nottingham Forrest. While their absence disrupts club preparations and momentum, their performances abroad could inject confidence into a few desperately missing it.
Denmark vs. Portugal: A United-Infused Class
All eyes will be on the UEFA Nations League quarter-final between Denmark and Portugal, featuring five United stars. Christian Eriksen despite not making it into the team regularly under Ruben Amorim got the call-up for Denmark where he is joined by Rasmus Hojlund, fresh off his first goal of 2025 against Leicester. Teenage full-back Patrick Dorgu, back from suspension for the club, also joins Denmark’s defensive unit. On the other sight will be familiar faces as Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, whose telepathic link-up sealed United’s recent win, are both called up by Portugal.
De Ligt’s Resilience & Rashford's Comeback
Matthijs de Ligt, despite nursing a minor knock, joins the Netherlands’ squad against Spain. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, on loan at Aston Villa, returns to England’s squad under new boss Thomas Tuchel. After a turbulent club season, these World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia offer Rashford a chance to reignite his confidence and his career.
Emerging Talents & Global Journeys
James Scanlon, 18, continues Gibraltar’s underdog journey in World Cup qualifying. His Europa League exposure with United could prove vital against Montenegro and the Czech Republic. In South America, Manuel Ugarte battles Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Bolivia, showcasing the tenacity that’s made him a midfield anchor for Amorim. Africa’s qualifiers see Andre Onana (Cameroon) and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) aiming to solidify their nations’ World Cup dreams.
Victor Lindelof, often unsung at United, captains Sweden in friendlies against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. His minutes might be less at United but his composure makes him a starter with the national side.
Manchester United Players’ International Schedule
• Thursday 20 March: Denmark v Portugal – 19:45 GMT (Dorgu, Eriksen, Hojlund; Dalot, Fernandes)
• Thursday 20 March: Netherlands v Spain – 19:45 GMT (De Ligt)
• Friday 21 March: England v Albania – 19:45 GMT (Rashford)
• Friday 21 March: Uruguay v Argentina – 23:30 GMT (Ugarte)
• Saturday 22 March: Luxembourg v Sweden – 17:00 GMT (Lindelof)
• Sunday 23 March: Portugal v Denmark – 19:45 GMT (Dalot, Fernandes; Dorgu, Eriksen, Hojlund)
• Monday 24 March: England v Latvia – 19:45 GMT (Rashford)
• Tuesday 25 March: Sweden v Northern Ireland – 18:00 GMT (Lindelof)
• Tuesday 25 March: Bolivia v Uruguay – 20:00 GMT (Ugarte)
• Tuesday 25 March: Gibraltar v Czech Republic – 18:00 GMT (Scanlon)