While Manchester United Women's stars were scattered across the globe on international duty this weekend, one young talent stood out in a high-profile friendly. Simi Awujo, the promising midfielder, delivered an impressive 69-minute performance for Canada in a narrow 1-0 defeat to a formidable Brazil side.

Facing world-class opposition, Awujo showcased her all-around game. She was a composed presence in midfield, completing 100% of her crosses and dribbles while also contributing defensively. Her tenacity was on full display as she won five of her seven duels, proving she can compete physically at the highest level.

She wasn't the only Red Devil representing Canada, as full-back Jayde Riviere also put in a strong shift, playing 82 minutes and making several crucial defensive interventions while also providing a threat going forward.

The weekend's action highlighted the depth of United's squad, with key players involved in crucial qualifiers across Europe. England's Jess Park helped maintain her side's perfect qualifying record off the bench in Iceland, while Lisa Naalsund played the full 90 in Norway's dramatic 3-2 win. Over in Sweden, Julia Zigiotti and Hanna Lundkvist started in a vital 1-0 victory over Serbia.

Performances like Awujo's against top-tier nations like Brazil are a clear signal of her growing pedigree. For United fans and followers of the women's game, it's an exciting glimpse of the talent being developed at the club, ready to shine on the biggest stages. This kind of international experience is invaluable for a young player's development and bodes well for her future impact at the club level.