World Cup Stars Who Joined Manchester United
Manchester United have a history of signing players who impressed at the FIFA World Cup. As the 2026 tournament unfolds, new manager Michael Carrick is reportedly monitoring standout performers to bolster his squad. Previous managers have followed this pattern, notably Louis van Gaal and Erik ten Hag, who brought in talents after successful World Cup campaigns.
£74m Finalist Duo Sign
Following the 2014 World Cup, Louis van Gaal took over as Manchester United manager and quickly secured two Argentine stars who had reached the final. Angel di Maria joined from Real Madrid for a British record fee of approximately £59.7 million, signing a five-year deal. Despite his World Cup heroics, Di Maria struggled at Old Trafford, scoring four goals and assisting 11 times in 32 appearances before being sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £44.3 million after just one season. He later admitted it was "never his desire" to leave Real Madrid.
Defender Marcos Rojo also joined from Sporting for £16 million, signing a five-year contract. Unlike Di Maria, Rojo described joining "the world's biggest club" as "a dream." He made 122 appearances, scoring two goals, and spent time on loan at Club Estudiantes de la Plata and Boca Juniors before leaving as a free agent in 2021. Rojo currently plays for Racing Club in Argentina.
Brazilian Star Who Ronaldinho Tricked
In 2003, Manchester United signed Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson from Atletico Paranaense for £6.5 million. The midfielder had shone at the 2002 World Cup, but he revealed in 2019 that he was tricked into joining by international teammate Ronaldinho. Kleberson said: "There were two clubs interested: Manchester United and Leeds. It was an easy choice, but there's a funny story. I was with Ronaldinho and his brother/agent, Assis. He said, 'They want to sign both of us,' and I said, 'OK, let's go, then!' I was so glad he would be coming with me. But then Ronaldinho fooled me and went to play in the warm weather at Barcelona! He sent me to Manchester."
Kleberson added: "That's a joke between us until today. He knows that he owes me one." The Brazilian made only 30 appearances for United over two seasons before joining Besiktas.
Loan Pairing Under Ten Hag
After the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Erik ten Hag made two loan signings. Wout Weghorst joined from Burnley for a loan fee of £2.6 million to temporarily replace Cristiano Ronaldo. The 6'6" striker contributed just five goal involvements but won fans over with his passion. After leaving in 2023, Weghorst wrote: "Dear Manchester United fans. Thanks for everything. I really enjoyed every single second at this club, from winning silverware to scoring my first goal, against Betis at Old Trafford. Dreams came true. Unbelievably proud to wear the badge."
Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat also joined on a season-long loan from Fiorentina for £8.5 million, with an option to buy for £21.4 million. He helped Morocco reach the World Cup semi-finals, notably making a crucial tackle on Kylian Mbappe. However, Amrabat failed to replicate that form at United, making 30 appearances without a goal or assist. Ten Hag opted not to trigger the purchase clause, and Amrabat returned to Fiorentina.
