Manchester United will have players scattered all across the globe over the upcoming international break.
Although the word break implies rest and recovery, several members of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad won’t be afforded such luxury.
Now fewer than 17 of United’s first-team will be representing their respective countries over the next fortnight.
It is a chance for some to build upon a strong start to the domestic season.
For others, an opportunity to right the wrongs of a sloppy start to the domestic season.
Here are three Red Devils we believe must enjoy a solid interlude away with their national sides:
Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly is an enigma, one that neither Jose Mourinho nor Solskjaer has managed to fully solve.
Signed from Villarreal in 2016 for £30m (BBC), the defender is yet to bolt down a regular spot at Old Trafford.
He walks the thin line between hit or miss, consistently inconsistent.
In recent memory, the Ivorian has leaned far closer to miss than hit.
His only appearance of the campaign so far arrived in the awful Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham United.
Following the recruitment of Raphael Varane, Bailly is United’s fourth-choice centre-back.
A position that does not read well on the CV.
But with Harry Maguire currently injured, there is certainly a chance to crawl back up the rankings with a few decent displays whilst flying the Ivory Coast flag.
The Elephants face Malawi twice in their World Cup qualifiers, with Bailly expected to feature in both fixtures.
Jadon Sancho
Whilst Bailly has been a conundrum for five years, Jadon Sancho is a puzzle just a few pieces shy of competition.
Everyone is aware of his talents; they just haven’t come to light since he left Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
Life in the red half of Manchester hasn’t ignited into a big ball of exciting flames for the 21-year-old.
Zero goals or assists in nine appearances for the young forward is definitely nothing to brag about.
Performances in that period haven’t been up to scratch either.
Sancho must be looking to England’s pair of winnable matches – against Andorra and Hungary – to get some confidence back into the veins.
Although, Gareth Southgate is yet to show complete trust in United’s no.25, so his game time might still be minimal.
Diogo Dalot
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka suspended for the Champions League clash versus Villarreal, Diogo Dalot had the chance to show Solskjaer what he was made of.
A huge game for the right-back, on the biggest stage in club football.
Unfortunately, the occasion seemed too much for the Portuguese international.
Dalot was pestered by Arnaut Danjuma all evening, particularly in the first half, where he was left in tatters by the former Bournemouth man.
It highlighted the difference in class between Wan-Bissaka and his full-back comrade.
Not to mention the fact United might need to strengthen that area of the field in January.
To avoid being axed altogether, Dalot will need to crank up the heat to evade being washed away.
Portugal play Qatar and then Luxembourg, two games Fernando Santos’ men should be winning comfortably.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
