Four of United's international players featured in the lates batch of World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday night, whilst another was an unused substitute.

Gary Naysmith put in an ever reliable display as Scotland won 2-1 against Iceland in Reykjavík. The win was George Burley's first since taking charge, as his side recovered from their disappointing defeat in Macedonia at the weekend.

Keith Gillespie was in inspirational form as Northern Ireland gave the Czech Republic a real test at Windsor Park, but ultimately they had to settle for a point, in an entertaining goalless draw.

He arrived back at Shirecliffe on Thursday morning after an early morning wake-up call in order to fly back over from Belfast.

Wales lost 2-1 against Russia, Joe Ledley equalising after a Roman Pavlyuchenko penalty had given the hosts a first-half lead. Gareth Bale had earlier missed from the spot for John Toshack's side, and David Cotterill was an unused replacement.

Maltese stopper Justin Haber was again on the losing side as his country went down to a 3-0 defeat in Albania, on the back of the 4-0 loss against Portugal at the weekend.

Meanwhile David Carney was on a winning team as Scott Chipperfield's goal saw Australia win 1-0 against Uzbekistan in a World Cup qualifier. Carney was a second-half substitute.