The European Championships kicks off this Friday in Munich, so let’s take a look at all the Manchester United players who will be hoping to return home as champions.
Only two players have ever won the European Championships whilst as a player at Manchester United, Peter Schmeichel with Denmark back in 1992 and Fabian Barthez with France in 2000. We will have to wait and see if that streak can be broken in Germany.
Scott McTominay and Scotland will be a part of the opening match against Germany in a group also containing Hungary and Switzerland.
McTominay was the top scorer for his country in the qualifiers for the tournament, scoring seven goals including a brace against a famous 2-0 win against Spain. He will be hoping to advance to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time in the country's history.
Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen begin their campaign on Sunday against Slovenia, with the Danes looking to replicate their success of Euro 2020, where they reached the Semi-Finals.
The Danes finished top of their group level on points with Slovenia, with Hojlund finishing as top goal scorer with seven goals. Whereas Captain Eriksen will continue to look to pull the strings in the centre of midfield.
As one of the favourites for the tournament, England once again have expectations hanging over them. Gareth Southgate has only picked two Manchester United players in Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw, with Harry Maguire missing out due to injury and Marcus Rashford omitted from the squad.
Luke Shaw is no stranger to international football having been an integral part of the squad that reached the final back in 2021, even scoring in that match. Despite an injury hit season, the left fullback has been risked by the manager in the hopes he can return to full fitness in time for the tournament.
This will be the first senior international campaign for 19-year-old Mainoo following his breakout season at Old Trafford. His talent along with his unwavering composure are probably what helped booked his place in the 26-man squad. Old Trafford has already seen how special of a player young Mainoo is and hopefully he can continue that on the international stage.
Altay Bayindir has been selected for Turkey despite only making one appearance for Manchester United this season. He recently kept a clean sheet in a friendly against Italy but has only played a handful of times for his country.
Another one of the favourites for the tournament, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot will be representing Portugal. Roberto Martinez’s side walked to qualification, finishing top of their group having won all ten games, scoring 36 and conceding just two.
Bruno has been sensational during this time, scoring six and assisting seven, however Dalot has found it harder to integrate himself in the starting eleven with his national side boasting an impressive level of squad depth.
Elsewhere, it was announced on Tuesday night that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be staying on ahead of the 2024/25
season.
It was widely reported in the media that the Dutchman’s job was in danger following the club’s lowest finish in Premier League history last season, but these rumours have been quashed, with INEOS coming to the conclusion that the 54-year-old is the right man for the job after a long deliberation process.
Reports also say Jim Ratcliffe and his entourage are prepared to show their faith in the manager by offering him a contract extension, with his
current deal set to expire in June of 2025.
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