Almirón started in Merida in what was an important World Cup qualifier for his country against a Venezuela side who had won their last three games.

But it was Paraguay who secured the win late on, with Gaston Giminez’s 85th-minute winner securing three points for the visitors.

And the United flier played his part before being replaced by Robert Rojas in stoppage time, and will now return to Tyneside ahead of this weekend’s Premier League visit of Manchester United.

It wasn’t such an enjoyable evening for fellow Magpie Fabian Schär, however, as the Switzerland centre half was dismissed in the closing stages of his side’s 3-3 UEFA Nations League draw with Germany.

The 28-year-old was booked on the half hour at the Rhein Energie Stadion in Köln, before seeing Serge Gnabry’s 60th-minute leveller make it 3-3, wiping out Switzerland’s lead.

And three minutes into added time, Schär picked up his second yellow card and was sent off as the spoils were shared.

Meanwhile, in Rabat, defender Achraf Lazaar was an unused substitute in Morocco’s 1-1 friendly draw with DR Congo.

Some more United players, including Scotland’s Ryan Fraser and the Republic of Ireland’s Jeff Hendrick, are likely to be in action on Wednesday night.