/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53807975/544170962.0.jpg)
Manchester United's relentless fixture list takes a pause for the rest of the month, as international football creaks back into life. For the United fan, this is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it means we don't have to have the Paul Pogba argument for at least another couple of weeks. The Frenchman is injured, and will be taking his leisure.
But on the other, the possibility of injuries and general knackeredness looms large. Fifteen members of United's first-team squad are jetting off around the world, and a if a delicate hamstring meets a bumpy pitch, things could get really annoying. So, breathe. Then cross your fingers. Here's where they're all going.
Let's start with England, who have a friendly with Germany and a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania coming up. Wayne Rooney's still crocked but Marcus Rashford has gone to try and score some goals, along with Luke Shaw, Jesse Lingard and Chris Smalling. There's also a welcome return to the international frame for Phil Jones.
[phone rings]
We regret to announce that Phil Jones has picked up an injury and has returned to Manchester United.
Elsewhere in Europe, Marouane Fellaini's off to help Belgium in their qualifier against Greece and their friendly against Russia. David de Gea and Ander Herrera may be representing Spain against Finland in qualifying, then France in a friendly. And Henrikh Mkhitaryan will captain Armenia in their qualifier against Kazakhstan.
Matteo Darmian's exchanging Mancunian red for Italian blue, and will be hoping to face Albania in a qualifier and Netherlands in a friendly. He might well end up facing Daley Blind in that latter game; the Dutch also have a qualifier against Bulgaria to navigate.
To South America next. Antonio Valencia will be flying the flag for Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay, while Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo will be trying to keep Argentina's opponents — Chile and Bolivia — at bay.
Finally, Eric Bailly will be representing the Cote d'Ivoire in their friendlies against Russia and Senegal. Anybody planning to watch or attend any of the games? Let us know in the comments.
FIXTURES
Wednesday 22 March
Germany v England
Thursday 23 March
Paraguay v Ecuador
Argentina v Chile
Friday 24 March
Ivory Coast v Russia
Spain v Israel
Italy v Albania
Saturday 25 March
Bulgaria v Netherlands
Belgium v Greece
Sunday 26 March
Armenia v Kazakhstan
England v Lithuania
Monday 27 March
Ivory Coast v Senegal
Tuesday 28 March
Ecuador v Colombia
Bolivia v Argentina
Netherlands v Italy
France v Spain
Russia v Belgium