Manchester United finds itself in a unique position as 12 of its first-team stars prepare to represent their respective countries during the March international break. With recent successes on the field, including a resounding 3-0 victory against Leicester City, the players now face the challenge of performing on the international stage while many of their teammates will enjoy a break.
Manager Ruben Amorim’s squad features several players getting the opportunity to showcase their skills at the international level, while others may have to sit it out as they watch their compatriots take the field.
Among the key players making headlines, the trio of Patrick Dorgu, Christian Eriksen, and Rasmus Hojlund have been called up to the Denmark national team. They are set to face a challenging pair of matches against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The first leg will kick off on March 20, 2025, at 7.45pm, followed by the second leg in Lisbon on March 23, 2025, also at 7.45pm. The Danish squad will be up against United teammates Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, who have once again earned their spots in the Portugal national lineup.
Diogo Dalot, with 27 international appearances, and Bruno Fernandes, boasting 76 caps for Portugal, will play vital roles as they attempt to lead their team past a formidable Danish side.
Another prominent inclusion in the international roster is Matthijs de Ligt, representing the Netherlands. The Dutch team will play against Euro 2024 champions Spain in a crucial UEFA Nations League quarter-final, with matches scheduled for March 20 and March 23, both kicking off at 7.45pm.
Meanwhile, young star James Scanlon, who has yet to make an official appearance for United this season but has been included on the bench, received a call-up to the Gibraltar national team. Scanlon’s squad faces World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro on March 22, 2025, at 5pm, and against the Czech Republic on March 25, 2025, at 7.45pm.
Victor Lindelof will also be in action, representing Sweden in two international friendlies against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland on March 22 and March 25, 2025, respectively.
From the South American contingent, Manuel Ugarte was called up by Uruguay for critical World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Bolivia. Uruguay will take on Argentina, who will be missing captain Lionel Messi, on March 21 at 11.30pm, followed by a clash against Bolivia on March 25 at 8pm.
In Africa, goalkeeper Andre Onana will lead the charge for Cameroon as they embark on World Cup qualifying campaigns against Eswatini on March 20 at 4pm, before facing Libya at home on March 25 at 7pm.
Lastly, Noussair Mazraoui has also been included in Morocco’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Niger on March 21 at 9.30pm and Tanzania on March 25, also at 9.30pm.
The upcoming international fixtures serve as a testament to the depth and talent within Manchester United’s ranks, showcasing a commitment to both club and country. As United gears up for their next Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest on April 1, 2025, fans will be keeping a close eye on their international stars to see how they perform on the world stage.
