Atlanta is bracing itself for the battle of the Manchester United misfits. A 2026 version of the 'Damned United' duo. One still belongs to the club despite not wanting to, while the other was shown the door at Old Trafford in 2024, by a manager who suffered the same fate just over two months later.
While one turned his back on England in favour of DR Congo, his rival used the Three Lions to help rehabilitate himself at the highest level. Welcome to the duel in Georgian sun between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford. A scrap which could well define the outcome of a game in which Wan-Bissaka has everything to gain - and Rashford has so much to lose.
The Ironies of the Sub-Plot
The ironies of this sub-plot are fascinating. When Wan-Bissaka joined United in 2019 from Crystal Palace, Rashford had established himself as the club's poster boy. Wan-Bissaka cost United £50m, making him the sixth most expensive defender of all-time. He also became the most expensive Englishman uncapped by the Three Lions.
Ed Woodward, the then chief executive of United, revealed the club had considered more than 750 right backs, before deciding on Wan-Bissaka. Twelve months earlier, Rashford had helped England reach the World Cup semi finals in Russia.
Wan-Bissaka, meanwhile, would go on to earn his first senior call up from Gareth Southgate, but had to withdraw due to a back problem. And despite pledging his commitment to England, it would prove to be the closest he ever came to winning a full cap.
Wan-Bissaka's International Switch
Southgate had an embarrassment of riches in his position, which included Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and an emerging Reece James. In 2024 he left United to join West Ham, having lost his place to Diogo Dalot. Almost a year-to-the-day later, Wan-Bissaka's request to switch international allegiance to DR Congo was approved by FIFA.
He had been born in England, of Congolese descent. And it proved an inspired choice, one which has now led him to the knockout stages of a World Cup. And a head-on collision with his old team-mate Rashford, who is using this World Cup to improve his chances of a move away from United.
What's at Stake
Had Wan-Bissaka remained patient with the nation of his birth, the chances are he could have been lining up alongside Rashford in Atlanta. Because England have gone from feast to famine in terms of right backs. Instead, he will be on a mission to keep his old mate in his pocket, while reminding the favourites what they might be now missing.
And if Wan-Bissaka can somehow help DR Congo knock Thomas Tuchel's men out of the World Cup in the last 32, his smugness will be on a par with the pain inflicted on the country which snubbed him.
When it comes to creating weird and wonderful narratives, the World Cup remains a masterclass. Football eh? It's a funny old game. But who will be laughing come the final whistle? Wan-Bissaka or Rashford?
