Manchester United players are dotted across the world as they continue their final preparations for the World Cup
Senne Lammens impressed for Belgium in their convincing victory over the United States(Image: Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
Manchester United players have been in action this weekend as they make their final bids to reach the World Cup this summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Thanks to the Reds’ improved form, several players have been handed opportunities for their nations during the March international break.
Casemiro starred for Brazil against France in a World Cup test event in the US. However, the midfielder and Matheus Cunha could not avoid a 2-1 defeat at the Gillette Stadium. Amad came off the bench in Ivory Coast’s 4-0 win over South Korea while Noussair Mazraoui played the majority of Morocco’s first match since being awarded the Africa Cup of Nations as they drew with Ecuador 1-1.
Manuel Ugarte came up against England at Wembley Stadium as Uruguay earned a draw with a last-minute Fede Valverde penalty. However, there was three players who stood out as the national media poured over the international performances.
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MEN Sport has rounded up what was said below.
Senne Lammens
United’s goalkeeper stole the show for Belgium with GVA describing him as ‘the best Belgian on the pitch’ in the 5-2 victory over USA. Lammens has his work cut out replacing Thibaut Courtois in their best starting XI but made the most of the Real Madrid man’s injury absence.
Sporza continued the praise, stating: “With three superb reflexes, Senne Lammens single-handedly kept the Red Devils in the game during the first half-hour.” The goalkeeper should have another chance to impress against Mexico in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Harry Maguire
Maguire was in the spotlight after returning to the England set-up this week. Thomas Tuchel then created headlines by suggesting the centre-back was his fifth choice ahead of the World Cup.
The Daily Mail described that as an ‘extraordinary admission’ by the England head coach. They also argued Maguire should be going to the World Cup after being the ‘best player’ against Uruguay.
Kobbie Mainoo
It was a slightly difficult night for Mainoo as he was left on the bench until the 69th minute. Former United man James Garner started and did his chances of making the World Cup no harm with a brilliant display.
That being said, BBC Sport were complimentary of his cameo, writing: “Came on and kept things simple. A nice way for him to come back into the England fold.”
Both Maguire and Mainoo have another chance to impress Tuchel against Japan on Tuesday night.
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