Onana moment and Garnacho's chance - what Manchester United's Erik ten Hag will be watching out for during internationals

Garnacho’s Argentina opportunity

After being denied it due to injury in March, Alejandro Garnacho made his Argentina senior debut in June, coming off the bench against firstly Australia and then Indonesia.

The world champions actually commence their qualification question for the 2026 World Cup with matches against Ecuador and Bolivia this month. Manchester United star Garnacho will be eyeing a potential first start for his country, particularly against the latter.

The 19-year-old is well-versed in pressure situations after last year’s breakthrough season but the expectations of needing to perform from the start in one of the best national teams on the planet is another significant challenge. Erik ten Hag wants Garnacho to push for starts at United and a good stint with Argentina will bode well.

Onana’s crunch match

Andre Onana has returned to Cameroon duty after making a U-turn last month in a bid to help his nation qualify for January’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable Lions only need to avoid defeat against Burundi on Tuesday, ranked 140th in the world, to make the finals.

Doing so will mean Onana would miss a handful of United matches upon his anticipated tournament squad selection and possibly as many as four Premier League games, not including potential FA Cup and League Cup ties, if Cameroon make the final.

It is why Ten Hag was so keen to get a good back-up goalkeeper through the doors, Altay Bayindir due to deputise in Onana’s expected absence. Bayindir has been called up to Turkey’s squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, although his last cap came almost a year ago.

Martinez’s condition

Lisandro Martinez has still travelled to meet up with the Argentina squad despite being taken off with a