Man Utd to ‘turn down’ controversial request for World Cup players ahead of tournament

Manchester United are set to turn down a request that certain players be omitted from the last Premier League fixtures before the World Cup, it’s been reported.

The Daily Mail has claimed that the Argentinian FA want their nation’s Premier League players to be left out of the final round of league fixtures before the World Cup begins later this month. The paper reports that United, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Brighton are poised to snub such a request for their stars - while one club is said to have already received such a request, and already knocked it back.

It is expected the other three will also snub the approach. Sportsmail claims the one club spoken to already thought the request was “out of hand”, as Argentina want their stars available as early as Saturday 12 November. FIFA rules restrict clubs from releasing their players until Monday 14 November, and United are due to play Fulham away on 13 November.

There are six Argentine footballers currently playing in the Premier League, including United defender Lisandro Martinez and winger Alejandro Garnacho.

The first game of the tournament will see hosts Qatar play Ecuador on 20 November, in a Group A game at the Al Bayt Stadium. The World Cup final is on 18 December.