Man Utd's Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo decision should have been repeated for another key player – opinion

Manchester United’s approach to Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo could not have paid off any more during the extended October international break.

Thomas Tuchel called up both Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo for the England squad for the Three Lions’ four Nations League matches during the break.

However, Manchester United made the decision to withdraw the two Red Devils youth academy products before England’s encounter with Spain this month.

The Red Devils said on their official website that Rashford and Mainoo being pulled out would allow them to be “assessed” and “undergo individual recovery plans.”

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Man Utd’s approach with Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo should have been repeated with Portugal star Bruno Fernandes

Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo were both withdrawn for precautionary reasons during the three-week October international break and the move paid off for the club. The Red Devils are currently seeing other first-team players pick up injuries during the break, including Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui.

Bruno Fernandes was forced off in the dying stages of Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales in the Nations League and was replaced by Joao Neves. Fernandes has remained with the Portugal camp and missed his country’s subsequent 2-1 win over Norway in the Nations League clash due to injury.

Portugal boss Jorge Jesus is hopeful of Fernandes returning for the forthcoming clash with Denmark on Thursday, but the signs couldn’t be clearer for Manchester United to step in and protect the 32-year-old Portuguese midfielder. Fernandes can be his own worst enemy at times and will play every minute possible without knowing his own limits.

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After the Red Devils’ mixed start to the 2026-27 campaign under Michael Carrick, the last thing that Man Utd need is Fernandes picking up a knock before the Premier League resumes. In the context of Rashford and Mainoo, the Red Devils will benefit from both players trying to hit full fitness before the end of the October international break.

Fernandes turned 32 earlier this month and the Man Utd captain is not getting any younger, as the former Sporting CP midfielder’s engine needs to be carefully rotated. Outside of Portugal, the Nations League is a throwaway competition to entertain fans when the Euros or World Cup are absent from the football calendar.

It would have been wise for United to withdraw Fernandes from the Portugal squad ahead of the Nations League encounters against Denmark and Norway in October. Fernandes is back in training with Portugal now, but an injury setback could have a massive impact on the Red Devils’ season under Michael Carrick right now.