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Manchester United International Round-Up So Far: Elanga Screamer, Ronaldo Brace And Levitt Qualification To The World Cup

Manchester United International Round-Up So Far: Elanga Screamer, Ronaldo Brace And Levitt Qualification To The World Cup

Manchester United had 11 players representing their national sides across the last week. Anthony Elanga and Cristiano Ronaldo stood out.

On a weekend where there was shock across the international scope, Cristiano Ronaldo was able to restore balance to the world by scoring twice against Switzerland in a 4-0 win for Portugal.

His brace came in the Nations League, where many international sides are competing. There were also some rather important qualifying matches for a tournament later this year... the World Cup.

Anthony Elanga was another Manchester United man who shone for his national team, as he scored his first ever goal for Sweden against Norway on Sunday evening after coming on in the 66th minute. It was an added-time strike from outside of the box which left many supporters stunned.

Elanga had cut in from the left side before executing a delicate one-two with a teammate before letting off an effort which found the far corner perfectly.


In a crunch match between Wales and Ukraine, with a place at the Qatar World Cup on the line, it was Dylan Levitt's side that came out victorious. While the 21-year-old did not take to the pitch on the night, he did play 90 minutes against Poland on Wednesday and was touted as one of the best players on the pitch despite The Dragons losing the affair 1-0.

Mid-week also saw Ronaldo make an international appearance, but it was from the bench in Portugal's 1-1 draw with Spain. Bruno Fernandes started that match and played 81 minutes before he was replaced. He also started the 4-0 battering of The Swiss, but was substituted on 67 minutes on that occasion.

Diogo Dalot, who made his debut for Fernando Santos' team in a Euro 2020 fixture against France, was in the squad for both games but was unable to take to the field.

Harry Maguire started and played the full match as England lost in a shock game against Hungary. Dominik Szoboszlai's penalty was the difference between the two sides on the night.

It was heartbreak for Scott McTominay and Scotland as they lost out 3-1 to Ukraine in their second round qualifier for the World Cup. The United midfielder lasted the 90 minutes in a position that he's been regularly utilised, the right of a back three, but was unable to help his side reach the promise land.

Scott McTominay with a drive shot against Ukraine |
Alamy

His partner in the middle of midfield enjoyed a better experience with his national side. Fred played 81 minutes for Brazil in their 5-1 win against South Korea and assisted Richarlison's opening goal.

Raphael Varane was another United man who was initially involved with his international side last week, but he departed from the France squad after sustaining an injury on Friday against Denmark.

The knock that forced Varane off in the 61st minute, however, does not look like it will keep the defender out for a prolonged period, and he should be available for the beginning of pre-season under Erik ten Hag later this month.

Meanwhile, Hannibal Mejbri and Facundo Pellistri were able to represent Tunisia and Uruguay respectively. Hannibal played 75 minutes against Equatorial Guinea in a 4-0 win on Thursday and then was a last minute substitute against Botswana on Sunday in a 0-0 stalemate.

Pellistri started against Mexico on Friday and was able to deliver a beautiful low cross to assist Edinson Cavani. The departing United striker finished well.

After completing 73 minutes in that 3-0 victory, Pellistri come off the bench to play 22 minutes against USA in a 0-0 draw.

While not on the first-team level, Alejandro Garnacho got all of the attention yet again with a delicious free-kick goal for Argentina U20s against France U20s.

Despite his side losing the affair by six goals to one, the wingers gorgeous free-kick, which found the top left corner, was replayed across social media on the evening.

With more international fixtures dotted across the next week, there will be more performances to keep an eye on from a United stand point.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Elanga, Portugal, Sweden, Harry Maguire, England, Football World Cup, UEFA Nations League

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