Manchester United stars looked set to come head to head when England were drawn against Denmark at Euro 2024.
Late last year when the Euro 2024 group stage was drawn, the England v Denmark match looked tasty from a Manchester United perspective.
On the Denmark side, Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen. On the England team, were expected to be Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
None of the England trio featured. Rashford did not make the squad due to form, while Maguire missed out because of injury. Shaw is with the England team but still not fully fit.
One Manchester United player in the England squad, who wasn’t expected to be, is teenage wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo denied chance to play against Rasmus Hojlund
Frustratingly for Kobbie Mainoo, he was denied the chance to play against Denmark and take on his Manchester United teammates.
England boss Gareth Southgate simply did not select him for the game, as a starter or as a substitute.
Southgate made four changes during the game, but England drew the match 1-1.
United fans reacted with annoyance at seeing Mainoo overlooked, although it might prove a blessing for him to get a rest and avoid risk of injury.
Mainoo, curiously, was selected to speak before the game at a press conference and admitted he was looking forward to potentially facing Eriksen and Hojlund.
Rasmus Hojlund sees the funny side
Rasmus Hojlund saw the funny side of not actually going up against Mainoo, and also the teams sharing the points, ensuring neither team currently has bragging rights over the other.
He posted on Instagram: “At least it won’t get awkward with Kobbie next training.”
Hojlund was one of the fastest players at the tournament after one game. He set a new top speed against England, where he now ranks second.
He did not, however, score the goal he was looking for, and is now six international matches in a row without finding the net.
Denmark face Serbia in their final match, while England take on Slovenia.