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International Duties
20 Plays1 day ago
The boys discuss an action packed international break!
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Transcript
Manchester United's Upcoming Game and International Impact
00:00:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Manchester podcast. I am your host for tonight's episode, Sam Brady, of course, and I'm joined by ah by my good friend Tom.
00:00:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tom, it's been a little while since we've been on an episode together. How have you been, Mark?
00:00:33
Tom Cairns
I've not been too bad. I'm busy with work and busy with ah other things going on involving me. It does feel like a long time since I was last on here, but at least I'm back on the waves of this before United play their next game against Everton on the Monday night.
00:00:48
Tom Cairns
I don't know how I'm going to feel heading into that game because of all the international matches that are being played at the moment.
00:00:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:00:53
Tom Cairns
There are some being played whilst we are speaking, but I've got a feeling that United may continue the unbeaten run for now, at least, before the likes of Brian Ibermo, Ahmad Nusa Matsouroy go out on international duty for the African Cup of Nations. So there's that to adjust.
00:01:14
Tom Cairns
And of course, we've got the latest injury news, which we'll run down on.
00:01:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly. And exactly that was what John saw how the the implications of AFCOM might affect United obviously, or or African players at the minute or or one of our biggest stars with with Brian and Bama and Ahmad and Maduro as well. um And we'll touch on them how how they're doing at the minute on it on international duty as well, because it was Well, for Brian and Buamo, anyway, a big game against DR Congo on the weekend.
00:01:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Didn't exactly go to plan for them, but we will touch on that in just a second. But I think, yeah, as we're sort of coming out um of the international break now, Tom, let's just reflect on our United boys and and and how they did over in the international
00:02:01
Tom Cairns
Thank you.
Bruno Fernandes' Stellar International Performance
00:02:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
break.
00:02:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Look, I'd normally start with England, um of course, but I'm going to leave them last, considering we had a whole total of zero players included in in the England squad, um not not for the for the first time in recent months as well. So we'll leave them till the end.
00:02:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I want to start with our captain, ah Captain ah Fantastic, Bruno Fernandes. And we'll we'll touch on Portugal because obviously we had Bruno Fernandes and also Diego Delot.
00:02:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
competing over over the past couple of days. Now, Tom, they lost ah to Ireland in in what was a dramatic game in it and it turned out to be ah an amazing win for Ireland, considering what what happened against Hungary a couple of days later.
00:02:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But then Portugal in emphatic fashion went on um to to win, I believe, 9-1 potentially, it was 8-1. um And Bruno Fernandes did score a hat-trick in that game.
00:03:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
um so i mean yeah just somewhat i mean but know i mean i was I looked at stat before where since joining since 2020, Bruno's only missed 17 games, I believe.
00:03:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And that stat is i mean unbelievable. so i mean Talk to me about about Bruno. i mean he's He's obviously continued his fantastic form into the international break and continued that with with Portugal.
00:03:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um yeah its so Talk to me about his form in general and and what he's doing again for for Portugal.
00:03:48
Tom Cairns
He's just immense when he puts on a yeah Portugal shirt, um it does isn't he? But, you know, it underlines the fact that he's still got the fire within himself, even when he's on international duty. And you mentioned about how many games he's missed United it since he's joined us, ah nearly six years ago now.
00:04:04
Tom Cairns
It's surreal that he's been able to keep himself fit in United shirt. And even when Portugal got international games coming out, particularly either the World Cup or the Euros, he's one of those where
00:04:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:18
Tom Cairns
he's able to just get on with it. I know there's been questions ah questions about his attitude and his unwillingness to just, you know, head down, get on with it, that type of thing. But he cares about what he wants to achieve.
00:04:31
Tom Cairns
And if we see more of that in United's shirt, I mean, international football is different to what we see in club football in regards to the pace of the game, the style of the game, and who you're basically going up against.
00:04:45
Tom Cairns
You mentioned the 9-1 win against Armenia. You've got to think that Armenia is not going to be any proper ah proposition like so many of the Premier League teams or those in the Champions League that Bruno Fernandes would go up against.
00:04:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:04:59
Tom Cairns
But nevertheless, you know how many times do you see Armenia get beat 9-1 by ah team like Portugal, who we could argue are not the best team to go up against?
00:05:12
Tom Cairns
Because I think it's Spain who are the best team in international football the moment. I know a lot of people say England, but when it comes to the bigger stages, it's usually Spain that comes out on top.
00:05:24
Tom Cairns
I think Portugal, in the last number of tournaments, I think have performed below expectations or achieved below expectations compared to what they have set themselves out to be.
00:05:36
Tom Cairns
But could it be the swan song for Cristiano Ronaldo next summer? Because we expect it to be his last World Cup as well.
00:05:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:44
Tom Cairns
And Bruno Fernandes, I think, is in line to win another international trophy, considering he's already won the Nations League with them.
00:05:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, this this is the thing with Bruno Fernandes, and we know this now, where every, no matter if he's playing on an international stage or for United, he wears his is his heart on his sleeve in terms of, he's just so passionate about everything that he does.
00:06:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that that passion... Look, loves United, but playing for your country is is a whole other level of emotion. and And for a player like Bruno Fernandes, I mean, he's unbelievable. He showed that again by scoring a hat-trick on the weekend. OK, yes, not against the best um opposition, but still to... to Bag a hat trick. I believe he was captain because of Cristiano Ronaldo's red card.
Can Portugal Thrive Without Ronaldo?
00:06:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
and That brings me on to the the next question, Tom. Obviously, we have to speak about him in terms of Cristiano Ronaldo. Are Portugal better without Cristiano Ronaldo?
00:06:57
Tom Cairns
They've got to adapt to life without him at some point. I think they'll be getting to, but they've they've got to start to adapt to life without him because I'm i'm sure there's been points where Bernardo hasn't been involved for the Portuguese team.
00:07:09
Tom Cairns
he can't be around forever. And the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Diego Dello, and many others in there. I think Shao Neves as well, because Shao Neves was on the score sheet, wasn't he, in and the game against Armenia.
00:07:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
yep
00:07:24
Tom Cairns
They've got so much in there of Portugal, even without Ronaldo. So I don't think you can really have the excuse of not having Ronaldo in the team when you're basically quoting a 40-year-old who's not able to turn up.
00:07:38
Tom Cairns
Well, we saw what happened in the game against Ireland.
00:07:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
and we
00:07:40
Tom Cairns
There was obviously a lack of discipline for Ronaldo. It's rather silly, if you ask me, especially for a man of his experience.
00:07:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. yeah
00:07:46
Tom Cairns
But I think Portugal reacted brilliantly in the game against Armenia. They just basically Got managed in the dressing room, knowing that Ronaldo wasn't going to play anyway.
00:07:58
Tom Cairns
Went out there and got on with it and put together brilliant link-up plays to the goals. And they made Armenia look like a Sunday lead team because Portugal are that great to watch.
00:08:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, and one more thing not on Ronaldo and on Portugal, I guess, before we move on. we've We've highlighted how good they are and and I suspect they're definitely one of the favourites to win the World Cup or definitely go far anyway.
00:08:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you make of Ronaldo's recent comments and and going into the summer, I guess, of... him actually not having those aspirations anymore to to win a World Cup and that and that's not really his his dream anymore. how i mean, I look at it and and I pose this a question to you, but how damaging is that to have your all-time best player, your captain, come out and go, you know what, I'm not really actually too bothered about winning the World Cup anymore?
00:08:55
Tom Cairns
if that's what he said, then you have to think there's more important things in life than football.
00:08:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:01
Tom Cairns
You know, he's got big family with him, which he clearly loves and wants to succeed. I think one of his, I think one of his children may be getting into football a little bit.
00:09:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:10
Tom Cairns
I can't remember his name, but either way, he's happy with what he's achieved. He's achieved so much. Yes, I'm sure he would love to win a World Cup. I'm sure he didn't say he wouldn't love to win it. um I'd like to think he will love to win it.
00:09:25
Tom Cairns
But, It's not like his career is incomplete without it. If you see where I'm coming from, you know, he's one of a few out there to have achieved so much in his career, you know, looking at what he achieved at United to begin with, perhaps Sporting Lisbon as well.
00:09:41
Tom Cairns
um And then obviously all those La Liga's and Champions League's you would want at Madrid and the lead titles he had gone on to achieve at Juventus before he came back to United for a little bit.
00:09:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:09:52
Tom Cairns
And then obviously winning in the Euros with Portugal, winning the Nations League twice with them.
00:09:59
Tom Cairns
What more could you ask, really?
00:10:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, I think, look, I mean, um i think the comparison will always be with Messi and obviously he won the World Cup. So people will be like, that's the one thing that Ronaldo hasn't won.
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But look, I mean, yeah, as you said, I don't think we should, we we we're in any position to judge Ronaldo off winning trophies. He's won pretty much everything there is. to win and also to be honest i i think that that's another uh debate to be had for another day um definitely not a debate that that um that will go on ah over the limitations of this episode's length So let's move on, Tom, from Portugal and and let's move on to Brazil.
Casemiro's Commitment to Brazil Despite Fitness Concerns
00:10:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Because obviously now with the the new Brazilian Mateus Cunha and Casemiro, I mean, this guy's becoming ah a bit of a cool hero now at United with the shifts and and the the performances he's putting in.
00:11:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, the first question I'll ask before we get on to sort of his his individual performances over the weekend is, Almorin clearly has concerns about Casemiro and so do the fans in terms of he can't play a full 90 minutes anymore.
00:11:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
However, he's still getting called up for Brazil. He's still, I know they flew to Asia for their last international trip. This one actually, well, ah the the first game against Senegal was in London. So obviously that's convenient for for the English, ah the Premier League players.
00:11:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
However, this poses a question of Casemiro's age, is it good for him to still play against the the these amount of minutes and still getting called up and flying God knows anywhere. I'm just thinking from a United perspective.
00:11:53
Tom Cairns
Well, he clearly loves playing for the Brazil team, doesn't he? Does Casemiro. And playing at the Emirates is no unfamiliar territory for the Brazilian because, you know, they've played a lot of their friendlies at the Emirates, which suppose is their second homie, if you want to call it.
00:12:07
Tom Cairns
And I think Casemiro, he clearly loves playing, you know, his football wherever he goes to. And he is, I think, conscious of how many minutes he is playing in these games because he won't have the legs to what he had at Madrid.
00:12:19
Tom Cairns
But I do admire the fact that he's able to dedicate for the Brazilian team, even though i think the Brazilian team is past him now. He needs to focus more on his club football rather than his international football.
00:12:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, you say that, um but he scored on the weekend against Senegal. They are actually losing right now to Tunisia, which is a bit of a shock, um but obviously it's a friendly, so it doesn't really matter for them.
00:12:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he scored ah for for Brazil and he put in another solid performance but by all accounts. I mean, you say he needs to focus on on his club football, but why not why not do both if he can if he can do both?
00:13:04
Tom Cairns
He could, but there comes a point, something has to get for him sooner. And he's likely to feature for Brazil at the World Cup. you know, if he was to win the World Cup for Brazil, that would quite fitting for them, considering that the last time Brazil won the World Cup, it was in 2002 in Japan South Korea, but they won the World Cup in America before, in 1994.
00:13:24
Tom Cairns
And what a way for them to end the drought of 24 years without winning the World Cup. the The last five tournaments, they've not been able to come away with the ultimate prize.
00:13:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I mean,
00:13:36
Tom Cairns
What a way for Casemiro to win a World Cup though.
00:13:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, mate, great knowledge from you, mate, going all the way back from the 94. How far do you reckon you go back, mate, in terms of winners?
00:13:46
Tom Cairns
ah That's a good question. and Probably 1978.
00:13:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mate, that's a good shift. That's good shift.
00:13:58
Tom Cairns
I'd have to do some thorough research on like all the World Cup winners. I know 1930 was won by Uruguay and then the next two after that were won by Italy. Then there was a hiatus because of the war and Uruguay won it again for the second time in 1950.
00:14:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. And and who won it in 66, mate?
00:14:18
Tom Cairns
Well, you know it, England.
00:14:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kill, man. in 2026, I heard, as well. and But look, we'll we'll get on to our predictions and in just a second. Yeah, I mean, Brazil, Casemiro scored. Mateus Cunha looked very good as well. He hit the post in that match against Senegal. So I think the Brazilians are definitely yeah playing their part.
00:14:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
um One player we should touch on because it just... It has been announced today that Benjamin Sesko will be out for at least three weeks. um It's a bit less serious, the injury that that we initially thought it was.
00:14:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah So he will be out for the remainder of the next three weeks. Interestingly, he got called up for Slovenia, I believe it is, um and then had to had to drop out.
00:15:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
um How hard is it, Tom, for international managers? and And to be honest, we've we've always had this issue. I remember the days of Fergie getting annoyed with with English players going to play for England when it's unnecessary.
00:15:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
But how hard is how hard is is the position of an international manager to have the the player welfare welfare um to to think about, but also to think about their own sort of games and their importance of their own games and and taken to the fact that players are playing even more games than the normal nowadays. So how is it, how hard is it for for international managers to strike up that that perfect balance and not ah break any relationships with their club managers?
00:16:02
Tom Cairns
This is the thing with international football. Obviously, they're obviously in connection with the clubs of which their represented player is part of. It's kind of difficult because there have been breakdowns between clubs and club managers and international managers from time to time.
00:16:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:19
Tom Cairns
I think I still remember this was 1998 where Chris Sutton had been called up um to play for the England team in ah in a B game against Chile.
00:16:32
Tom Cairns
He refused to turn up. He refused to be part of the England squad when Glenn Hoddle was the England manager.
00:16:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:16:40
Tom Cairns
And that broke the relationship down, I think, between him and Glenn Hoddle. And they weren't exactly happy with Blackburn either, I don't think. But anyway, it's a difficult job to manage, really, when you're an international manager.
00:16:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:16:56
Tom Cairns
i mean, you look at Graham Potter, for instance. ah lot Some of his players are part of the... you know playing for Premier League sides. And those that don't know, Graham Potter is now the Sweden manager. They've still got a chance of qualifying for the World Cup via the playoffs.
00:17:12
Tom Cairns
I don't know where to begin,
00:17:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:17:14
Tom Cairns
so I would not want to be and manager of either side of the spectrum.
00:17:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, it's going on right now between Laminya Mal and the Spanish manager. um I forget his name now, but and yeah, the Spanish coach, because obviously Laminya Mal been experienced experiencing some some difficulties at at the minute, if you if you could put it like that in the in an area where you you don't want to experience difficulties.
00:17:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
And the Spanish coach consistently calls him up for Spain when Barcelona and Hansi Flick are in dispute because they think Laminya Mal should be rested and recover.
00:17:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, It shows that it's going on right now and I think it will be a continuous thing that will always happen between international managers and club level because at the end of the day, they're just looking out for what's best for them.
00:18:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
And especially when it's a World Cup qualifier, I would understand it if it's friendly matches like Brazil are playing right now against Senegal and Tunisia.
00:18:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
You have to ask the question, do their full strength sides need to be played in games like that? Definitely not. So I get the argument in in that sense. However, if they are World Cup qualifying matches, then that's a bit different because you can't really take any risks. So I do get it from that sense of of the spectrum.
00:18:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
What we'll do, Tom, is we've got many different countries to to speak ah about i to
World Cup Early Predictions
00:18:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
to go. And I want to also end the episode with getting a cheeky little prediction early prediction for the World Cup in the summer. But for now, we're going to go to a quick break and we'll be back straight after this.
00:20:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Welcome back to the daily Manchester United podcast.
Matthijs De Ligt and Netherlands National Team
00:20:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now me and Tom were talking about some of our international reds over over the past couple of days and how they've been performing and how their countries have been performing.
00:20:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Let's touch on a quick one um over at the Netherlands, Tom. Matthijs De Ligt called up to the squad didn for the first time in in over a year. um how Well, how impressive of have you been with him in a United shirt up to now? And how important is he now going to be a big asset in in that Netherlands defence, especially next to Van Dijk now?
00:20:52
Tom Cairns
Yeah, i've I've enjoyed watching De Ligt this season. I've listed De Ligt as one of the top three players to have performed brilliantly for United this season, along with Mbamo. And who would I say the other one would be?
00:21:04
Tom Cairns
I did say I would go for a defender, a midfielder in Australia. I think it was Casemiro. Casemiro was the other one to put my top three. I'd definitely say De Ligt has been the best defender for us this season. um In regards to the call-up, I think he deserves it.
00:21:16
Tom Cairns
I think De Ligt is beginning beginning to have the mojo of which he had before he came to United. um How well is he getting on at the Netherlands? I don't know for certain, actually, but suppose it's not really too relevant because Netherlands have qualified quite comfortably, it has to be said.
00:21:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:21:32
Tom Cairns
Now it's going to be how he'll get on at the World Cup, um providing he'll stay fit. i And I'm confident that Netherlands could go maybe not all the way to win it, but they can get to the semis, when you consider the revamp in the competition itself, with there being 48 teams involved,
00:21:51
Tom Cairns
meaning there is an extra knockout round. Netherlands are going to be tough to beat, but i don't expect them to win it.
00:21:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and I mean, it's an amazing call-up, as you rightly pointed out. It's deserved it, in my opinion. However, I mean, their centre-backs, they're sent by ah definitely not lacking options at centre-back. They're in the Netherlands. Van Dijk, Van de Ven, now De Ligt.
00:22:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it's a... um It's a very um highly competitive position. um But I think if De Ligt stays in the the form the club form that he's been performing at, I definitely feel like he can be an and an important asset to the to the Netherlands squad.
00:22:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, not necessarily, he might not even start. and Because and in my opinion, um a lot I've been really impressed with De Ligt. I think he has been very good. In my opinion...
00:22:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Van Dijk and van der Ven probably, in my opinion, are just maybe a little ah just above hit his level right now. I know van Dijk's had his struggles, but it's still van Dijk, and I think van der Ven proves his his quality um a lot. So, yeah, I think ah think he's he can definitely compete, though, and I think he's definitely going to be a really important asset to the
African Cup of Nations and Its Impact on Manchester United
00:23:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Netherlands team. And as you rightly pointed out,
00:23:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
they are they're going to be a tough team to beat as well um now in terms of we will turn our attentions to our african players uh in particular we'll start with brian and buemo and because he he's been in action um this weekend which which has turned out to be a massively important game for cameroon against dr congo who was going to qualify automatically for for afcom uh for the world cup sorry and who was going to go into the playoffs now Cameroon actually lost the game so they are having to settle for the playoffs but yeah similar similar question to Mbuoma I think he's been ah real standout ah I mean standout player for United so far um so yeah just just a word on him Tom
00:24:00
Tom Cairns
Yeah, well, he's got some work to do with that Cameroon side and they'll want him so much for that playoff game. I'll look to see who they'll be facing off against because I know for qualification within the AFCON Confederation, it works out differently to how the UEFA one does. So if I look at Cameroon playoff games, I'll at least know how it will work for them.
00:24:26
Tom Cairns
just bear with me one moment.
00:24:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:27
Tom Cairns
it might go him
00:24:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i mean I mean, if you look at Cameroon's team, obviously, Enon or Ennet, which doesn't help their cause.
00:24:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm joking. um But Mbwemo, Chobomoting, I guess. um Yeah, they've not got a bad side. And they've never really had a had a bad side. If you look at the players i've had down the line with Samuel Eto'o, you know, players like that. So they've always been one of the the big footballing African nations.
00:24:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
and ah yeah i mean I think it's quite surprising they they lost to DR Congo, to be honest. and But obviously we've we've we've got Ahmad as well and we've got and Masrawi as well.
00:25:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So, Tom, I mean, that right-hand side is is looking quite bare when it when it comes to a couple of weeks' time when they go to ah the African Cup of Nations.
00:25:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
um is I mean, that has to be a concern, right? Yeah.
00:25:31
Tom Cairns
I'm just looking at the table of Cameroon because obviously they... I'm just trying to look to see who... Because obviously the qualification process works out differently. like I don't think Cameroon will be in the World Cup.
00:25:46
Tom Cairns
um Sam, I think they've been knocked out of it.
00:25:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay. Okay. um Yeah, I mean, I thought, maybe I was mistaken, but I thought they had actually got into the playoffs
00:26:02
Tom Cairns
They did, and they got beat by DR Congo in the semi-final of their playoff path.
00:26:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
by Congo.
00:26:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ah.
00:26:10
Tom Cairns
And then DR Congo won against Nigeria after um well on penalties to book their place at the World Cup.
00:26:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:17
Tom Cairns
So neither Nigeria or Cameroon will be there.
00:26:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's interesting how that works because I always look at England, right, and I always go, we ah we have to play sort of Albania and um whoever else, you know, Albania or Armenia, like all these teams and i no disrespect to these teams, but we're not playing high-level competition at all.
00:26:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Whereas you've got, I feel like, In South America and in and in Africa, it's a lot more even in terms of the the quality of teams.
00:26:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, in South America, you've got your Brazil, Argentina. um But then I feel like the level below that with the Chiles, the Bolivians, the Equadors, they're kind of all in the same level.
00:27:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Whereas when England qualify, you've got England and then the rest. And it's a bit, you know, so...
00:27:15
Tom Cairns
So DR Congo, with that win against Nigeria, they're now actually in an inter-confederation playoff. And there are other teams in there, including Iraq, Bolivia, and New Caledonia.
00:27:30
Tom Cairns
and there's And there's two teams from the CONCACAF confederation.
00:27:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
perhaps
00:27:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
and i
00:27:34
Tom Cairns
That's the North American confederation.
00:27:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
me and I don't even know where New Caledonian is, mate. so That could be...
00:27:39
Tom Cairns
New Caledonia is in the Oceania continent, one of the minnow sides in there.
00:27:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. I love
00:27:44
Tom Cairns
They are ranked 150th in the FIFA rankings.
00:27:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
that. love that
00:27:49
Tom Cairns
and in the fever rankcan
00:27:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Away day at New Caledonian looks like it's on the cards at some point, mate. But yeah, I mean, look, going back to um how AFCON will affect us and and it will affect many teams as well.
00:28:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
For us in particular, as we've highlighted, Masraoui and Buemo Amar, that's a big loss, right, Tom?
00:28:09
Tom Cairns
yeah No, I perfectly agree. I think those two in particular, as well as Metsurari, they're going to be big losses for United. But at the same time, it's a chance for others to really step up their game and make a name for themselves because they're not going to have that many games to play in throughout December and January when you think of it.
00:28:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:28:27
Tom Cairns
So there's a time for them to pull their fingers out, December and January is the time to do it. And I'm really, really forward to see if there's anything that will step up. I'm not sure... that Delo will step up because I've not been impressed with Delo this season, um even when he's playing at right back where he should be.
00:28:44
Tom Cairns
I've not felt comfortable with him playing there. um In terms of Ahmad, I think there's a place there for Mason Mount to slot into that cam role, which is where Ahmad has been playing at at times.
00:28:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:59
Tom Cairns
And then in regards to who he'll be the number nine while Sesco is out, I'd probably give it to Mateus Cunha. I do think he's ah well placed there.
00:29:10
Tom Cairns
He may end up playing like in a either in a false nine or part of a rotation with Mount and
00:29:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:29:18
Tom Cairns
ah Fernandes, who's probably going to play there now.
00:29:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Well, Tom, this is what I was going to say on Sesko. Look, he'll be out for three weeks and then the AFCON boys will be going to AFCON shortly after that.
00:29:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you would like to think Sesko starts every game, pretty much. I mean, with Mbwemo, you've got, makes sense, Cunha off the left or off the right or off the left.
00:29:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sesko down the middle and then either Mason Mount or Bruno or whatever you want to do on that right-hand side. But you would like to think Sesko is your main man for that month period up front.
00:29:58
Tom Cairns
Thank
00:29:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's the guy and I want to see step up. This is his moment where he's not competing with with positions. He's not in in the squad, out the squad, in the squad.
00:30:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's your man. He's your number nine. And I think if he can't sort of kick on and and build up a bit of momentum in in these next couple of months while the AFCON boys are out, then when when can he? And the fact that, look, I haven't minded Cesc so far. I think he's been okay. He's been steady.
00:30:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
and He's got a few assists here and there, a few goals here and there. So i don't I don't mind it, but this is the time now where you want to see your £70m striker start making the difference.
00:30:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think right now he hasn't been that difference maker and he's had other boys like Cunha and Mbwemo being that difference maker. But what happens when Mbwemo goes to AFCON, Cunha doesn't score the the goals or gets the assist that he... But that's the thing, I say score the goals. Kunja only scored is his first United goal, um I believe the last game or the game before that.
00:31:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
But you feel like everything Kunja does, even if it doesn't end up in a goal, is influential. It's done with intent. It's it's quick, it's it's fast and it's dangerous.
00:31:20
Tom Cairns
Thank you.
00:31:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
whereas i look at sesco sometimes and i go you're a bit passive there i want to see you get involved a bit put yourself about you know like as as roy keane famously said sometimes you just want to smash into someone and and that's what i feel like with sesco where i need to see a bit of energy i need to see a bit of you know a bit of a bit of a spark and that's what i want to see and look I've given him his time. and I've given him credit even, saying he's been decent.
00:31:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But these next couple of months, yeah, I need to see him really kick on now because my fear is that he's just another Hoyland. And we can't end up in a situation from the end of the season where we're where we don't have a striker.
00:32:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because we've gone so long without a striker and we need one. So, yeah, we'll see. We'll we'll give him time. We'll see. um So, look, we'll we'll move on. and Two things, Tom.
England Squad Composition and Implications for Manchester United
00:32:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
One thing, as I said at the start, we should mention England, obviously, us being English boys. um I spoke a bit to Niall about it yesterday on the episode.
00:32:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
I actually, there's a bit of me where I don't mind England players not being in the squad right now because I think, look, England, we know we're going to qualify. We're not playing great opposition.
00:32:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would rather them stay at home, stay fit than play these nothing matches, really. However, it does pain me a little bit, Tom, that as a club like United, it we don't have any players in the England squad.
00:33:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, I mean, how do you feel about that as as a star?
00:33:06
Tom Cairns
um I'm not too fussed, quite honestly, for these particular games.
00:33:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:11
Tom Cairns
When it comes to the World Cup, I think if any United player ends up in England's side, it's because they deserve to be there. There's obviously questions about Harry Maguire sometimes in regards to his performance, but Maguire has stepped up.
00:33:25
Tom Cairns
And he usually fits in well within England's system anyway, whenever he's featured.
00:33:31
Tom Cairns
But above all, I'm not too fussed about any United players being in the in England squad. I still even think about the time when think United had about six players involved England, started in 11 in a game once, and the fans were very much against the United players who were featuring for England, even though they were there to support England.
00:33:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:33:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:33:51
Tom Cairns
I don't particularly like that at all. But that's not a reason just to not have United players in there. You know, if you're the England manager, you're choosing on the basis of how a well they've done for their clubs.
00:34:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:34:01
Tom Cairns
So, you know, I'm not crying in a corner over any United players being there. You know, um there is a part of me saying, know what?
00:34:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:34:09
Tom Cairns
I'm happy they're not because either not ready for it they'd rather keep them around at Old Trafford and get them ready for the next game against Everton.
00:34:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and I think it's quite right that you mentioned Harry Maguire because I would say he's probably the closest United player to to get in the England squad. Obviously, he has played for England and played quite well for England in the past. Obviously, Kobi Mayne, who's been in the squad before. Marcus Rashford, still obviously out on loan. So, technically, our player still ah playing for England and playing well for England. and So, look, I think come the summer, and if Maguire sort of keeps this momentum up, then I do think Tuchel has a decision to make on Maguire.
00:34:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't see Kobi Menuh getting anywhere near the squad right now or in the summer, to be honest, which is quite sad because I think he was one of our best players in the Euros um when Southgate brought him in. and But i just think if you're not playing club football, you're not playing international football. And and that's just that's just that.
00:35:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
and However, i agree with you in the in the fact that I'm not too fussed right now because, look, they're kind of nothing games, and but I will be what when the come when the World Cup comes around.
00:35:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And I want to see united always United players always playing in the World Cup. However, the the reason it pains me a little bit, Tom, is i think how many players you have in the England squad and and on an international level, but we obviously as English fans focus on the England squad,
00:35:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um sort of suggests and indicates where you're at as a club, as a whole. um And I think for United not to have any English players in the England team sort of indicates where we're at as a club right now, where we don't actually have any good enough England players to get in the squad.
00:36:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think as a club like United, that that is quite a sad indictment. However, I also think the... English um club mentality playing for your country has shifted a lot now. You see Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, you see Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, you see Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.
00:36:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you're seeing not this prejudice of only picking the the top players from the top clubs anymore. and And I like it. I like the diversity and I like it.
00:36:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I also think that plays a part in it as well. But I also think, look, it's always nice to see your players play on the international stage as well as the players the club level and I see the likes of Eze and Saka for Arsenal um and Rice for Arsenal and how many players they've they've got just alone alone in the in the squad.
00:36:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So yeah, but I also do feel like when we're playing Konza and um and we're playing Konza, we're playing Kwanzaa, and i thought And I look to Aaron Maguire and go, you know what, he probably could have gotten to the squad. So, yeah, I guess we'll see come the summer.
Will England Win the World Cup?
00:37:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brings me on to my net last question, Tom, and the the one the the big question is, where do you think England will fare in the World Cup?
00:37:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
And as an early prediction, who do you think might be in and amongst it to be the favourites to win it?
00:37:35
Tom Cairns
I'd say England to be knocked out in the semis and the victors will be Spain.
00:37:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Spain again, it's been Euros and the World Cup, right?
00:37:42
Tom Cairns
Yeah.
00:37:44
Tom Cairns
Yeah.
00:37:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
England not to make that next level to to go to the final.
00:37:49
Tom Cairns
They'll give it their all, but I just think the semis may be a little bit too far. I think from the moment they go up against the Spanish, because I think they will face them at some point, I just think Spain will have too much for England, especially...
00:38:02
Tom Cairns
On a night where the Spanish tend to turn up when it all really matters, and I think it may be a stretch too far for Thomas Tuchel's team.
00:38:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, fair, fair. I think we're going to win it, Tom, to be honest. And I know, look, I know England fans go into every tournament saying it's coming home, it's coming home. um I'm definitely not one of them. Like, I completely understand the argument of England will get to the quarters or England will get to the semis and fold and whatever. Like, I completely get that argument.
00:38:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's fine. But, however, ah look at how we played in the game against Spain. And look, on the night, Spain deserved to win. And overall, in the Euros, Spain deserved to win the Euros.
00:38:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
However, people forget it was only 2-1, and it was 1-1 up until the 85th minute. So on another night, England win that game. um Yeah, we we didn't deserve to win it, but who cares? We were 1-1 with five minutes to go.
00:39:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think if we play Spain out of 10 games, Spain probably beat us 7 out of 10. But we can beat Spain. I truly believe we can beat Spain and especially we can beat Spain with a ah better manager with all due respect than than Gareth Southgate.
00:39:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think... Look, I think people... There's been this narrative around England internationals. Oh, I'm not watching them. We're playing against rubbish opposition. Oh, I hate watching England internationals.
00:39:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've been watching the past couple of international breaks, you know, Tom, and we look good. We look damn good. Like, we play some good football. And look... Yeah, we only beat Albania 2-0 the other night. But a way at Albania to dominate them and to win 2-0, we haven't conceded a goal the whole quality qualification.
00:39:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And again, yeah, we're not playing great opposition. But to not even concede a single goal is impressive. and To be undefeated is impressive.
00:40:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tuchel knows how to play competition football. So I think that's ah that's a big plus. I mean, Tuchel was the perfect man. And we just play good football. We play solid, solid football.
00:40:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
And by the way, i haven't even mentioned, our squad is unbelievable. Unbelievable. Arguably the best squad in the world, I would argue.
00:40:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
We have, as a complete package, bar I'd say the defence, the defence has got issues. Well, not even the defence, the centre-backs. I mean, our full-backs, Christ, we've got Rhys James, who's one of the best right-backs um in the world right now. And and yeah, left-back, we've got youngsters, we've got O'Reilly, we've got Skelly. um But look...
00:40:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, they're still not bad. And i mean, going up the pitch is unbelievable. So i think I think we could win it. I do really think... Look, we're going to have to ride our luck at times, like we did in the Euros.
00:41:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But if we play the football we're playing, if we keep defensively solid and we get a bit of luck on the way, i don't see why we can't win it. I honestly don't see why why we can't win it.
00:41:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, I mean, that's that's my early prediction. I've been telling everyone that I think England are going to win it. Don't get me wrong, they definitely cannot win it. um I mean, what?
00:41:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
By the time the World Cup comes around, it'll be 60 years. um So what I would do for for England to win the World Cup is is beyond me. I'll do anything, Tom.
00:41:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, it'll be interesting. But as we've rightly highlighted this whole episode, Tom, there's the strong teams, there's the Netherlands, the Portugal, the Spains. um So, yeah, it it'll be hard, like it always is, but I think it might be coming home, Tom. So, look, we'll leave it on that, um and I won't let any negative energy convince me otherwise, Tom, but...
00:42:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mate, it's been a pleasure this episode as always. And yeah, be sure to check us ahla on all our social media platforms. And if you're watching, if you're listening, it's been a pleasure as always. And don't forget to tune into the next one.
00:42:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for now, it's goodbye.