Five reasons why the international break has come at the wrong time for Manchester United

The David De Gea factor

Agent R?

How is it a Spanish reunion without the Tiki-Taka, the midfield masterclass and renewed rumours of David De Gea leaving to Real Madrid?

Of course, the Spanish shot-stopper affirmed his future with Manchester United after Real failed to materialize a concrete bid in the transfer window, but it would seem that this particular rumour is fated to pop up each season.

Even if De Gea has shown himself to be a consummate professional, giving his all and then some to the club, it hardly does his psyche any favours to have the press speculate about his future every time he links up with his international teammates.

It is an unfortunate situation that certainly needs resolving in the long-term but in the present, could do without being exacerbated every time the international break swings around.