Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag isn't particularly bothered by international breaks, despite the fear that some of his players might pick up injuries ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season.
United won four successive Premier League games prior to the current international break. Across the Reds' first-team squad, 19 players have gone to join up with their national squads for matches in the UEFA Nations League or international friendlies.
Scott McTominay was the first United player to be involved in international action as he led his Scotland side to an impressive victory over Ukraine on Wednesday. Lisandro Martinez will wrap up proceedings on the global stage for the Reds when Argentina play Jamaica on September 28 - just four days before the game against Manchester City.
For many fans and managers, the international break brings about a sense of fear, as injury concerns are intensified with no respite from an already congested domestic fixture list. However, Ten Hag is far more relaxed about his players going on international duty, and the Dutchman actually sees it as a positive.
Speaking during his time at Ajax, he was asked whether he had concerns over his players returning with injuries. The Dutchman's response would not have been the one that many were expecting.
He said : "No [I'm not worried] because the players are fit, that’s why they get selected. They’re good, you can also look at it that way. That’s often how it goes, that they come back with a lot of energy. Because they get a change of scenery and play style with other players who they have a good click with.
"Secondly, when they come back, they have something to look forward to. That brings so much energy to the team."
Ten Hag will certainly be hoping that this is the case when his players return from international duty, as they'll be plunged straight back into the thick of things when they make the trip to the Etihad Stadium to try and make it five successive Premier League wins.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com