Eight European clubs that will be most affected by Copa America- 2015
The ongoing Copa America tournament being held in Chile has seen several fiercely contested matches. The competition which kickstarted on the 11th of June has attracted thousands of avid football lovers. Latin American nations are known for their never-say-die spirit and attitude and it is for this very reason that fans flock to the stadiums enthusiastically.The galaxy of stars on offer is an added bonus to the prestigious tournament. The competition which saw title favourites Argentina being held to a 2-2 draw by Paraguay and Brazil being defeated by Colombia 1-0 has been a story of surprising twists, and has thus enhanced its unpredictable nature.The Copa, poised to witness a usurping of Uruguay’s title in 2011, sees hosts Chile, Peru, Argentina and Paraguay as this year’s semifinalists. With one among these four nations set to become champions the stakes are at an all-time high. This edition sees a lot of European clubs whose players are serving their nations in Chile. Here is a look at the clubs that will be most affected.
#1 Manchester United
The Red Devils, as they are popularly referred to, Manchester United has historically had players from different nations adorning the famous red jersey. Besides boasting of a huge fan base the world over, the English club is also one of the wealthiest contemporary teams.
Owned by the Glazers from America, the club managed by the Dutchman Louis Van Gaal, had signed certain big money players from the South American continent last season, ending the drought of Latin American talent in the red half of Manchester. With Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez not being picked in the Mexican national side and the Colombian Radamel Falcao not returning for a permanent move, the club’s Copa America representation is largely Argentine.
Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo have been regularly featured in the starting XI for Argentina by coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino and with the team having found a place in the last four phase and still in title contention, the duo is bound to return to Manchester with a lot of fatigue.
Both Rojo and Di Maria could be key cogs in Louis van Gaal’s United machine next season. He will have to ponder deep and hard about their fitness and return for the club’s pre-season tour.