This year’s Copa America recently threw up its biggest surprise when Uruguay knocked out Brazil on penalties after drawing 0- 0 in regular time.
The semifinals are now set, with Lisandro Martinez’s Argentina taking on Canada, and Uruguay facing Colombia powered by James Rodriguez rolling back the years.
After a tense quarterfinal stage, the Copa America Team of the Week has been released and it has one Man United representation, which could be two in the future.
Copa America Team of the Week
Lisandro Martinez is the sole United rep in the Copa America Team of the Week after he scored the only goal for his country against Ecuador.
He lines up in the centre of defence alongside Davinson Sanchez of Colombia, with Aramburu and Hincapie completing the back four.
Emiliano Martinez, whose agent recently said was close to joining United last season, makes the team after his penalty shootout heroics for Argentina.
The midfield is manned by Manuel Ugarte, the United transfer target who is becoming harder and harder to ignore with his virtuoso displays.
He was a rock in front of the defence against Brazil and converted the final penalty in the shootout to knock out the trophy favourites. In doing that, he continued the rich vein of form that has United fans salivating at the prospect of him donning the red jersey this season.
Rios and James Rodriguez form the midfield as Shaffelburg (Canada), Rondon (Venezuela), and Raphinha (Brazil), complete the XI.
United players gain momentum on international duty
While United might have preferred that their key players rest up for the next club season, it can be a huge benefit if they come back having excelled for their national teams.
The confidence they carry can lead to a positive environment in and around the training pitch which rubs off on their teammates.
Lisandro Martinez has already been mentioned, but it has been a good international season for the likes of Facundo Pellistri as well. As United could be looking at selling the player this window, his displays for Uruguay are doing no harm to his transfer fee.
In the Euros, Luke Shaw is getting minutes to get back to match fitness which are crucial as he will then be ready to hit the ground running at United upon his return.
United targets Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt are part of a happy Netherlands camp that has reached the semifinals of Euros, while Ugarte is leading Uruguay’s charge in the Copa America.
The club can expect a happy and revitalised camp where the stench of the previous season is washed away by a new leadership and good international tournaments.
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