Manchester United's World Cup Contingent Rated
Manchester United return to action in three weeks when they kick off their pre-season campaign with a game against Wrexham in Finland. The opening friendly of the summer is a sign that domestic football is not too far away, but there is the small matter of the World Cup currently taking place in North America, and a host of United stars are on duty. With the group stages now completed and the last-32 kicking off tonight, we've rated United's World Cup contingent.
Marcus Rashford: 7/10
He's still a United player for now, even if he seemingly has no future at Old Trafford. Having seen Barcelona opt not to make his loan switch permanent, the forward was then left out of the England team for the first two group stage matches. But he came off the bench to score in the win over Croatia, was lively in a cameo against Ghana, and was one of the brighter performers against Panama. His performances could well have encouraged potential suitors.
Altay Bayindir: 5/10
Turkey were touted as one of the dark horses for the tournament but instead lost their opening two matches to Australia and Paraguay to be one of the first teams to be knocked out. A late winner against the USA in their final game at least ensured they returned home with a win. Bayindir was an unused sub throughout.
Matheus Cunha: 8/10
The Brazil forward has been a danger in this tournament and has scored three times despite not starting the opening match of the tournament. He now looks to have established himself in the XI ahead of Brentford striker Igor Thiago and the fit-again Neymar. Cunha will hope his tournament is only just getting started.
Diogo Dalot: 5/10
The right back has been a consistent starter for United but can't force his way into the Portugal side with Joao Cancelo first choice. Dalot was handed 45 minutes against Colombia, helping his side to a clean sheet and second place in the group.
Amad: 7/10
Has played his part in the Ivory Coast progressing to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Scored a wonderful and vital winner in the opening game against Ecuador, and that earned him starts for the remaining two matches.
Bruno Fernandes: 6/10
Didn't happen for him or Portugal in their opening game against DR Congo, but player and nation were much improved against Uzbekistan. Fernandes caused problems with his set-pieces and laid on a goal for Ronaldo. That pairing didn't quite fire against Colombia, and there is more to come from the United skipper.
Tyler Fletcher: 5/10
A late call-up to the Scotland squad points to how highly regarded the United prospect is. It was always going to be a tournament of experience for the midfielder, and he didn't get off the bench as Scotland bowed out in the group stage.
Senne Lammens: 5/10
Impressive form for United but he was never going to oust Thibaut Courtois in goal for Belgium. The Red Devils drew their opening two matches as they struggled to find their rhythm before thumping New Zealand 5-1.
Kobbie Mainoo: 5/10
A long-shot for this tournament six months ago, the midfielder was revitalised under Michael Carrick at United in the second half of last season but is firmly behind Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in the England pecking order. Jordan Henderson came on ahead of him in the closing stages against Panama.
Lisandro Martinez: 7/10
The centre back couldn't nail down a spot in the XI at the last World Cup as Argentina won the tournament, but this time around is a fixture at the heart of the backline even if he was rested against Algeria. Argentina look well placed to go deep in the tournament, and Martinez will be an important cog in their system.
Noussair Mazraoui: 7/10
Morocco have been well fancied for the tournament and progressed out of their group behind Brazil. Mazraoui impressed against Carlo Ancelotti's side, and although he didn't start against Haiti, he has enjoyed a consistent tournament.
Manuel Ugarte: 4/10
The World Cup was a chance to put himself in the shop window and secure a move away from United, but it hasn't gone to plan. Uruguay were dumped out of the competition with a 1-0 defeat to Spain, and Ugarte was forced off with an injury that could end his chances of a move away if serious.
