Which Manchester United players are on international duty?

Twelve Manchester United players have been selected to represent their countries during the November international break, with 10 different nations set to feature over the next week.

For some, the fixtures provide an opportunity to build momentum ahead of the return of domestic football, while others will be looking to help their countries secure important results in the UEFA Nations League or Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

There is also plenty of variety in the challenges facing United’s representatives. Belgium, Portugal and France are preparing for Nations League fixtures, while Brazil and Argentina have friendly commitments. Meanwhile, several of United’s African stars will be involved in crucial qualifying matches.

The international break will give the rest of Michael Carrick’s squad the chance to rest and recuperate, but by the time these players are back from international duty, it is likely there will be a new manager in the dugout, with Carrick set to be sacked.

Karl Darlow returns to the Wales squad after missing October’s fixtures through injury. Craig Bellamy’s side has two Nations League matches, beginning with an away meeting against Norway on Saturday, November 14.

Wales then welcomes Portugal to Cardiff on Tuesday, November 17, in what could be a particularly interesting fixture for United, with two of their players representing the opposition.

Dermot Mee has received his maiden senior call-up for Northern Ireland and could make his international debut during the break.

Northern Ireland face Ukraine on Saturday, November 14, before travelling to Hungary for their second fixture on Tuesday, November 17.

His country currently sits top of group B2, having not conceded a single goal as yet.

Sitting third in the group of death, Belgium fans will be hoping that Senne Lammens and Youri Tielemans can combine to push their country above either France or Italy, as they take on the latter of the two at home on Sunday 15 November, just after their away trip to Turkey on Thursday 12 November.

Lammens will be hoping to add to his international experience, while Tielemans will be looking to help his country negotiate a difficult pair of fixtures.

Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes have both been named in Portugal’s squad for their upcoming Nations League matches. Roberto Martinez’s side begins against Denmark on Saturday, November 14, before travelling to Wales three days later.

The latter fixture will see the pair come up against their United teammate Darlow.

They will be without former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced his retirement from the national team after 23 years of service.

After an especially commendable debut for the French national team, Leny Yoro has done enough to convince Zinedine Zidane of a second call-up.

France will face Italy away from home on Thursday, November 12, before hosting Turkey on Sunday, November 15. The young defender will be hoping to continue making an impression as he looks to establish himself at the international level.

Andrey Santos is part of the Brazil squad for two international friendlies in the East.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side faces Japan on Saturday, November 14, before taking on Singapore on Tuesday, November 17. The midfielder will be looking to make the most of his opportunities and strengthen his position within the national team.

Seeing as Brazil’s national team will be playing just friendlies, the likes of Matheus Cunha—who has already solidified himself within the national team—have not been called up.

Lisandro Martinez is heading to South America after being included in Argentina’s squad for two friendly matches.

The World Cup holders face Uruguay on Friday, November 13, before taking on Costa Rica on Tuesday, November 17. Martinez will be hoping to gain valuable minutes after his recent absence from United’s side due to the red card he received against Chelsea, and his recent comments calling out Jason Wilcox.

The first of three Manchester United African representatives, Amad Diallo, will represent Ivory Coast in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Gambia.

The first meeting takes place on Thursday, November 12, with the sides meeting again on Tuesday, November 17.

Two wins would effectively qualify for the competition, with the Ivory Coast already sitting six points ahead of Ghana and Somalia.

Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco is another side that is in a strong position to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, with the current holders—as controversial as their ‘win’ was—sitting on a perfect record of two wins, four scored, none conceded, in a relatively weak group consisting of Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho.

Both matches will come against Niger; the first takes on Friday, November 13, before the teams meet again on Tuesday, November 17.

The final player in a group of 12, Bryan Mbeumo completes United’s list of African representatives, having been selected for Cameroon’s two matches against Namibia.

Two wins could prove vital to Mbeumo and co, with his nation already dropping points in a 1-1 draw to the Congo.