Fernandes unstoppable, timely injury boost – Man Utd’s dream international break
Manchester United will enjoy the best part of a month away from action as players head off on international duty before the quarter-finals of the FA Cup play out in early April
Bruno Fernandes has been in stellar form for Manchester United this season(Image: PA)
Manchester United fans face almost a month without Premier League football as the March international break and the FA Cup quarter-finals play out in the coming weeks. A number of first-team players have been called up to take part in one last round of warm-up fixtures for the 2026 World Cup.
Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad are among the stars who have met up with their respective camps, while Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes will hopefully continue to impress for their homeland. Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir has been called upon for Turkey’s World Cup qualifier against Romania on Thursday, March 26.
A win there would also see him play a part in his nation’s final qualifier against either Slovakia or Kosovo on Tuesday, March 31. As seen time and time again, international duty isn’t without its setbacks at club level – especially at such a pivotal part of the season.
Players could be hampered with injury and even fall into poor form on the world stage, having a knock-on effect when they return to their respective domestic sides. Here, the Manchester Evening News breaks down what United’s ideal international break looks like…
Harry Maguire bounces back
Having been named in Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man England squad to take on Uruguay and Japan on Friday, disaster struck for Maguire when he saw red for a rash foul on Evanilson during United’s trip to the Vitality Stadium. The Brazilian was through on goal when the centre-half dragged him to ground, with just over 10 minutes to play – gifting Eli Junior Kroupi the opportunity to equalise from the spot.
The 19-year-old did just that, as United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on the road. The best-case scenario for Maguire during the upcoming international break would be for him to bounce straight back from the sending off at club level, and continue his otherwise impressive run of form with the Three Lions.
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The 33-year-old has been instrumental to Michael Carrick’s turnaround at Old Trafford in the second-half of the season, and hopefully he will come back inspired after England’s upcoming games. However, the crux is that Maguire will ultimately miss United’s Premier League return against Leeds come April 13 as a result of having to serve a one-match ban.
Bruno Fernandes continues his incredible form
With eight goals and 16 assists from 28 Premier League games this season, Fernandes has been in unstoppable form for United. It is therefore hoped that he carries it through to his international matches with Portugal against Mexico and the United States on March 29 and April 1 respectively.
With United currently sat third in the league standings and looking to secure Champions League football for 2026/27, a big push will be needed from the whole squad headed into their final seven games. Fernandes, as he has proven time and time again, could be the difference maker in the upcoming clashes with Leeds, Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool, Sunderland AFC, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.
Therefore, it is hoped that he can continue to thrive at international level and come back at his best for a pivotal part of the season.
Turkey lose to Romania?
While United will undoubtedly be praying for the success of each of their stars at international level, fans would be well within their right to be a little selfish considering how vital a strong finish to the season is. Bayindir has been called up to the Turkey international squad to face Romania in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, March 26.
The more gametime that Bayindir sees during the encounter, the more at risk he is of returning to Greater Manchester injured – especially considering the intensity both teams will be playing at as they look to make this summer’s prestigious competition.
Should Turkey fall to Romania, it also means that Bayindir will have one less game to play during the international break, considering the winner of that tie will go on to take on either Slovakia or Kosovo on March 31. That will be another high-stakes contest, in which, Bayindir will be pushed to his physical limits if given the nod to start.
While Senne Lammens has ultimately commanded his spot as United’s first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival last summer, Bayindir will likely be deployed should he return from his own international duties with Belgium with injury. The nation are set to face the United States on Saturday, March 28, before playing out a clash with Mexico on Wednesday, April 1.
It is imperative that United’s goalkeepers are not risked in the coming weeks.
All players return fit and healthy
It’s a bit of an obvious take, but the most important thing for United during this international break is that all players come back from their camps fit, healthy and ready for one last Premier League push. The impact that injuries have had on the likes of Tottenham Hotspur this season is undeniable, with the Lilywhites currently stationed 17th in the Premier League standings and caught up in a real relegation battle.
With a large chunk of Carrick’s first-team away on international duty in the coming weeks, it is vital that all return unscathed – especially with the Reds pushing for Champions League football next season. Here’s a list off all of the players away on international duty this month:
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James Scanlon – Gibraltar (To play Latvia twice)
Altay Bayindir – Turkey (To play Romania and potentially either Slovakia or Romania)
Casemiro and Matheus Cunha – Brazil (To play France and Croatia)
Diego Leon – Paraguay (To play Greece and Morocco)
Harry Maguire / Kobbie Mainoo – England (To play Uruguay and Japan)
Manuel Ugarte – Uruguay (To play England and Algeria)
Noussair Mazraoui – Morocco (To play Ecuador and Morocco)
Amad – Ivory Coast (To play South Korea and Scotland)
Senne Lammens – Belgium (To play the United States and Mexico)
Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes – Portugal (To play Mexico and the United States)
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