5 Manchester United Players to Watch During November International Break

A round dozen Manchester United players jetted off on international duty following their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

With a tough run of games coming up, including against Arsenal, Southampton and Liverpool, Louis van Gaal's first concern will be to make sure all 12 come back fit and healthy.

He's already without Rafael, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Radamel Falcao and doesn't need the injury list lengthening ahead of a busy Christmas and New Year fixture list.

Here's a rundown of five United players to watch during the November international break. Feel free to use the comments section below to add your own.

Paddy McNair

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Paddy McNair was forced off in the final few minutes of United's win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. But fortunately for Van Gaal, he only had cramp rather than anything more serious.

It means the 19-year-old should be fit enough to make his international debut this week when Northern Ireland play Romania. The 19-year-old has made an impressive start to his senior career after making the most of his unexpected opportunity at Old Trafford. This is the next stage of his development.

David De Gea

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David De Gea made his competitive debut for Spain during the last international break after finally ousting Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

His form for United hasn't dipped since, and there's no reason why he shouldn't keep his place against Belarus on Saturday. But it still leaves Vicente Del Bosque with the difficult decision to drop his captain, Casillas. 

It might be that De Gea plays in the qualifier against Belarus and Casillas starts the friendly with Germany on Tuesday.

Robin Van Persie

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Holland play Mexico and Latvia during the international break, and United could do with Robin van Persie finding some form. He scored the last-minute equaliser against Chelsea, but he's looked out of sorts so far this season after a long summer at the World Cup.

He is, however, gradually starting to look sharper. And a couple of goals for his country won't do his confidence any harm at all ahead of his return to Arsenal after the international break.

Marouane Fellaini

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Marouane Fellaini has suddenly become a central figure at United after starting games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Crystal Palace. Along with Adnan Januzaj, he's in the Belgium squad to face Iceland and Wales.

It was with Belgium at the World Cup that his renaissance began following a tough first season at Old Trafford as he struggled to escape the shadow of David Moyes' failing regime.

United have a run of tough games after the international break with Arsenal, Southampton and Liverpool on the horizon. Van Gaal will hope Fellaini's good form continues while he's away.

Chris Smalling

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Chris Smalling had a nightmare on his last appearance for United, stupidly getting himself sent off in the Manchester derby. It was such an error of judgment that he's got a lot to do to rebuild some goodwill with the fans and Van Gaal.

Smalling started the season with a real chance to secure a regular place with club and country. Back in the England squad after injury, he'll have a chance to show what he's capable of against Slovenia and Scotland.

As United's only fit senior centre-half, a return to form would be a welcome boost for Van Gaal ahead of games against Arsenal, Southampton and Liverpool.