Players and Transfer Targets to Watch In UEFA Nations League

The 2022/23 UEFA Nations League is well underway, with several Manchester United stars already running the show in the third edition of the tournament.

However, it is hard to remember the last time United had fewer players representing their countries.

It is not surprising, though, given the Red Devils’ thoroughly underwhelming season last term.

But let’s take a look at the Man United players and the club’s potential targets featuring in the ongoing Nations League.

Manchester United players on international duty 


Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were in Fernando Santos’ starting line-up as Portugal thrashed Switzerland 4-0 in their 2022/23 Nations League opener.

As ever, Ronaldo soaked up the limelight as his team’s headline performer, scoring a first-half brace to put clear daylight between the sides and pave the way for Portugal’s routine triumph. 

Diogo Dalot was an unused substitute against Switzerland and is unlikely to be in contention for the starting XI against the Czech Republic on Thursday. 

England

Although England were the betting favourites at betstation.com and other bookmakers to win the Nations League alongside France, their performances so far have been underwhelming and a far cry from their run to the Euro 2020(1) final.

It has been a while since Man United last had only one player representing England on the international level. 

While the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho failed to make the cut, captain Harry Maguire has found himself on Gareth Southgate’s list. 

Maguire was part of England’s line-ups that lost 1-0 to Hungary and held Germany to a 1-1 draw in their opening two Nations League fixtures.

He will likely start against Italy at the weekend as the Three Lions look to get the 2022/23 season off the mark. 

Scotland 

Despite Scotland’s failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup finals later this year, Scott McTominay remains one of the key components of Steve Clarke’s side. 

The versatile midfielder played 90 minutes in the Tartan Terriers’ abysmal 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in the World Cup play-off semi-final. 

McTominay should retain his place in Clarke’s set-up in the upcoming Nations League games against Armenia and the Republic of Ireland. 

Sweden 

Anthony Elanga came off the bench to score a consolation goal in Sweden’s 2-1 home defeat to fellow Scandinavian rivals Norway last time out. 

The youngster’s dazzling cameo against Norway could aid his bid to break into the starting XI for Sweden’s home clash against Serbia on Thursday. 

Manchester United targets on international duty 

Netherlands 

Ajax’s Jurrien Timber and Barcelona’s Frankie de Jong are high on Erik ten Hag’s list of targets ahead of the summer transfer market.

According to Gerard Romero, via the Daily Express, the Blaugrana midfielder has already emptied his locker at Camp Nou, inviting Man United to table a  £69million bid.

The Dutch manager has clear knowledge of the players’ talents, strengths and capabilities and now wants to add them to his squad in the coming months.

Timber and de Jong have made Louis van Gaal’s team for June’s Nations League and both could feature against Poland at the weekend. 

Another player on ten Hag’s wishlist is Juventus’ centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

The highly-rated 22-year-old could be on his way out of Turin, with the Red Devils plotting a mega-money offer to take him to the Premier League.

After missing out on the Netherlands’ 4-1 thumping of Belgium last time out, de Ligt should start against Poland.

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