11 Manchester United players are representing 7 different countries in the latest installment of EURO championship. Read our player-by-player special report.
🏴 Marcus Rashford
Fan favourite Marcus Rashford has committed himself to the squad despite being set to have ankle surgery after the Euros. His decision may concern United fans. His dedication, however, is unquestionable and very much appreciated.
Rashford started on the bench in England’s opening game against Croatia. While England was leading the game he was brought on by manager Gareth Southgate in the 71st minute to exploit Croatia on the counter attacks. It was an okay display from United no. 10. He would be happy with the result as England won the game 1-0.
Rashford was again brought on in the second half against Scotland and Czech Republic. His cameo appearances are somewhat limiting the impact he is capable of making for England.
Rashford missed in the penalty shootout vs Italy in the EURO 2020 final. Perhaps he should’ve skipped the tournament and have his surgery. Sometimes, you gotta listen to your head and not your heart.
🏴 Luke Shaw
Controversially, Like Shaw was on the bench for England’s opening game against Croatia. Kieran Trippier, a United target for the summer transfer window and a natural right back, played instead as left back.
Luke Shaw however played full matct against Scotland. An okay performance considering his blistering form for United. More importantly, this was Luke Shaw’s first appearance at an international tournament for England since 2014 World Cup game against Costa Rica 2551 days ago!
Luke again played against Czech Republic. It was a better performance than his previous match. He created couple of very good chances. He bagged 2 assists against Ukraine in the quarter finals – one of them for his United teammate Harry Maguire.
Shawberto scored in the final! Although England fell short of victory, Shaw can hold his head high. What a tournament he had! Shaw has finally established himself as the best left back in the world.
🏴 Dean Henderson
Henderson, expected to be the backup of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford throughout the tournament, was among the substitutes in England’s EURO 2020 opener against Croatia.
On June 14, 2021 it was officially announced that Dean Henderson had withdrawn from the England squad. The withdrawal was due to a hip issue which was limiting his training.
🏴 Harry Maguire
Manchester United made his first EURO appearance in England’s third group stage match against Czech Republic. A good comeback to football with a solid defensive performance.
Maguire scored a trademark header goal against Ukraine in the semis. Assist from Shaw!
In the final Maguire did well amidst Italy’s consistent attacks. His penalty shoot will go down as one of the best ever – he broke the camera with a ferocious strike. Sadly, for Maguire, England was defeated. He was influential to get England as far as possible.
🇵🇹 Bruno Fernandes
The Portugal and United attacking midfielder is definitely one to look out for during EURO 2020. Bruno scored twice and provided an assist in Portugal’s final preparation match before the tournament against Israel.
Fernandes started for Portugal in their opening match against Hungary. No goal or assist, which by his standard is a little disappointing. Nonetheless, an energizing performance from our Portugese magnifico. He finished the match with 87% pass accuracy, created 3 chances and managed 2 shots at goal. Portugal won the game 3-0. Former red Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice – making him the highest scorer in the history of the EUROs.
Fernandes again started for Portugal in their second group stage game against Germany. He would not be pleased with his performance, failing to impact the game as much as anyone would’ve expected from him. He was taken off during the second half during the 4-2 loss.
Perhaps due to lack of impact or excess of fatigue, or out of purely tactical necessity, Bruno Fernandes only made the bench for Portugal in their final group stage match against France. He came on in the 72nd minute. Hard working as always. He was lucky to not concede a penalty.
Portugal crashed out against Belgium. Bruno had an awful EURO by his standard. But we know the man. He will bounce back.
🇵🇹 Diogo Dalot
Dalot was called up to the Portugal team to replace João Cancelo, who was tested positive for COVID-19. The right back on loan to AC Milan was an unused sub against Germany and Hungary.
Dalot finally made his senior international debut against France.
🇪🇸 David de Gea
David was initially selected as Spain’s no. 1 for the tournament but only made the bench against Sweden, Poland and Slovakia.
David finished his campaign without making a single appearance for Spain as his side crashed out in the semis against Italy.
🇫🇷 Paul Pogba
World Cup winner Paul Pogba will relish another challenge at the international level for France, who are favorites to win the tournament.
The versatile midfielder’s fantastic performance against Germany earned him Star of the Match award. Throughout the 90 minutes he displayed exceptional workrate on the pitch. Most importantly, the game’s only goal came from his magical lob pass.
Pogba is just a different player when he puts on the national shirt. He definitely plays with more confidence alongside Kante as CDM. United does need to find a top class CDM.
As for Pogba’s dedication, it’s been a long running debate. His professionalism has never been questioned. But it shows from his performance a France win means more to him than a United win.
Pogba played 76 minutes for France in their second group stage game against Hungary. Not the best performance from France and Pogba as they were held in a 1-1 draw.
PP again started for France against their final group stage opponent Portugal. He assisted Karim Benzema for France’s second goal in the titanic clash. Pogba’s performance was applauded widely. He was dubbed player of the tournament “so far” at the conclusion of first round by many.
Pogba again starred vs Switzerland. He scored a worldly to put France 3-1 up but in one of the most amazing matches of all time, Switzerland took the game to penalties and eliminated France!
🇸🇪 Victor Lindelöf
Sweden heavily rely on Lindelöf as the primary stopper and defense leader. Group E is an interesting one. Sweden can progress through to the knockout round alongside Spain – at the expense of Poland and Slovakia.
Lindelöf was outstanding during Sweden’s opening match against Spain. He was named star of the match for his defensive performance. Sweden’s unorthodox, gritty defense frustrated Spain to a goalless draw. Lindelöf played a huge part organizing Sweden’s defense line throughout the game.
Lindelöf continued his fine form against Slovakia. Sweden cliched a crucial 1-0 win to qualify to the knockout round. He also played in a 3-2 thriller against Poland, the result going in Sweden’s favor.
🏴 Scott McTominay
Our young academy graduate has a very important role to play for Scotland – their first appearance in a major tournament since 1998.
McTominay played full 90 minutes for Scotland in their opening match against Czech Republic. His performance was lauded by fans but it was a disappointing 2-0 defeat for his team.
The United academy graduate had good games, if not excellent, against England and Croatia. He played pivotal part in a hard fought draw against England. Unfortunately, losing to Croatia in the final group stage game meant Scotland’s elimination from EURO 2020.
A valuable experience for McTominay in the international stage. There’s plenty of way to go for Scotland. The next challenge for McTominay at international level is to help Scotland qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
🏴 Daniel James
James started for Wales in their opening game in the tournament vs Switzerland. He created 2 chances in the first half, more than any other player on the pitch.
The Man United prospect did not hide his anger after being taken off during the second half, right after Wales equalized. Wales manager was asked about the incident later. He asserted that he took James’ reaction in a positive way.
James played 90 mins against Turkey. Overall, a much better performance than his first game. He created 4 chances – which is impressive. Welsh fans bemoaned his missed chance in a second half counter attack, which could’ve killed the game. Big win for Wales! As for James, hard working as always but he needs work on his end product.
James started for Wales in their final group stage match Italy. He played 75 minutes. Although losing 1-0 to Italy, Wales progressed to the knockout round, finishing second in the group.
The United winger started again for Wales, as expected, in their knockout stage game against Denmark. Wales got as far as they possibly could. A 4-0 thrashing meant Wales’ exit from EURO 2020.
For Dan James personally, there are positives to take from the tournament. His performances were appreciated. On the other side, there’s definitely a lot to learn and improve, especially the physical aspects of his game.
🏴 Dylan Levitt
The young United player on loan to Croatian side Istra 1961 was an unused sub during Wales’ group stage games against Switzerland and Turkey.
Levitt was subbed on against Italy in the 85th minute. A few valuable minutes in the bag for the midfielder.
The young midfielder was an unused sub against Denmark. Wales were eliminated after losing the game 4-0.
Good experience for Dylan Levitt. He will look forward to improve and play a more important role for his country in the future.
What do you think about Manchester United players at the EUROs? Please share your thoughts in the comment box.
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