There are many Premier League managers, and you can certainly count Sir Alex Ferguson in that number, whom see international breaks as irksome and inconvenient. You lose half your squad for the best part of a fortnight and once they reconvene, you only have a couple of days to recuperate and prepare for the rigours of another domestic challenge.
Saturday’s listless draw at Sunderland saw the Scot make four changes from the side that won midweek in Valencia, and whilst on this occasion a change was not as good as a rest, perhaps now, a rest will be as good as a change.
Despite lurking in their almost customary position just off top spot at this stage of the season, there seems something quite un-United about how United have been going about things. Since the last time his players jetted off to represent their countries, Sir Alex’s men have registered just three draws and a win in the league, coupled with the goalless draw with Rangers and the smash and grab in Spain. More to the point, and of more concern, would be the level of performance in these games.
Encapsulated by the pale display at the Stadium of Light, the Reds have yet to hit anything approaching top gear, and whilst the reappearance of Rio Ferdinand has put the shackles back on the defence, further forward the fluency of football has been strangely subdued.
Ordinarily that would mean back to the training ground to write the wrongs as a communion, however, for once, would Sir Alex be glad to see the back of his playing staff?
Even in this era when club duties seem to take precedence over national ones, it may just do the players some good to focus their minds on other football, and away from the goldfish bowl of Old Trafford.
There will be no time to convalesce in subdued showings or over analyse any indiscretions. By the time they’ve returned it’ll be straight back to the day job with a visit from West Brom. Clean heads and a clean slate could provide the clarity for United to find much needed some form and finesse as the season moves into the business stages.
What it will also do, is provide a window for players to recuperate and rest. Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs should be on or about ready for the Baggies and Lord Lucan himself - Owen Hargreaves could even be in contention. Conveniently, the likes of Wes Brown, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov will all get a breather before what is pretty much wall to wall football up until the New Year.
So, usually a distraction, this international break could end up being a blessing in disguise. The timing of these fixtures means United have managed to slope off from too much scrutiny, and returning ready and refreshed, a decent win against West Brom will grease the wheels of the red machine as they prepare to wrestle back the Premier League crown.
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