Relief as Reds defensive duo unscathed in qualifiers
MARCOS Rojo and Antonio Valencia eased United’s defensive concerns by coming through their countries’ World Cup qualifiers unscathed.
Argentina were beaten 2-0 in the infamous La Paz altitude on Tuesday as Bolivia inflicted a fourth qualifying defeat on the 2014 World Cup finalists.
Rojo played the full 90 minutes at left-back while United back-up goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, lined-up between the sticks during another dismal display from the two-time World Cup winners.
In Quito, Valencia played the full 90 as Ecuador lost to Colombia. Ecuador, who have qualified for three of the last four World Cups, are two points behind Argentina in sixth.
United manager Jose Mourinho will be particularly relieved Rojo and Valencia did not succumb to injury after Chris Smalling and Phil Jones withdrew from the England squad last week.
Jones could be sidelined for up to a month after he was injured by Smalling in training and the latter was spotted in a leg brace on Monday night.
Centre-half Eric Bailly played the duration of Ivory Coast’s Paris friendly with Senegal until it was abandoned in the 88th minute on Monday, while rookie Axel Tuanzebe has returned from England Under-20 duty.
In Amsterdam, Louis van Gaal watched on as Matteo Darmian’s Italy overcame Daley Blind’s Netherlands 2-1. Blind came off after 83 minutes while Darmian lasted 89.
And Ander Herrera made a late appearance in Spain’s 2-0 win over France at the Stade de France.