Manchester United are one of the well-represented clubs in World Cup 2022 as 13 of their senior players have been called up to serve for their nations.
Most of them are regular starters for their respective teams, but some of them have witnessed most of the action from the bench. Still, Red Devils fans – like this SBOTOP writer – are happy to know that their players can compete against the world’s best.
Without further ado, let’s review how they’ve fared thus far in Qatar.
Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot (Portugal)
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have emerged as two of Portugal’s most important players, and the Selecao need them to maintain their form if they are to win it all.
Fernandes has been a maestro in midfield. In his four games at Qatar, the 28-year-old has provided his share of World Cup 2022 highlights with two goals and three assists prior to their upcoming match against Morocco later.
Dalot, on the other hand, has pinned down the starting right-back position at Portugal. Despite only appearing in two games, the 23-year-old has made two assists along with numerous key defencive plays.
Stats site Whoscored.com has both of them on their Top 10 World Cup performers list. As of this writing, Fernandes is on top 8.34 – leading the likes of Mbappe and Messi – while Dalot sneaked into the list with 7.65.
Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw (England)
Despite struggling for minutes at Old Trafford, Harry Maguire established himself as a regular starter under Gareth Southgate – having played every minute of every game so far, averaging 2.5 aerial duels, 1.5 tackles, 3.5 clearances, and 0.8 interceptions per match.
Luke Shaw has also started in every game and has made one assist during their 6-2 demolition of Iran.
Marcus Rashford is currently in the Golden Boot conversation with three goals. Southgate should start him in their quarter-finals clash later against France.
Fred, Casemiro, Antony (Brazil)
Casemiro has played every minute for the Samba Boys. His goal against Switzerland guaranteed Brazil’s passage to the Round of 16, and he was rightfully given the Man of the Match honors for the said game.
As for Antony and Fred, they have started for Brazil from time to time, but they were not in the starting XI during their quarter-finals loss to Croatia.
Antony has struggled for consistent game time in the tournament given Brazil’s depth and his recent injury issues. United fans are hopeful that he’s 100-per cent fit next week.
Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)
Lisandro Martinez has only started twice at the World Cup, but he has made his minutes count for Argentina.
His biggest moment came against Australia where he made the game-winning play in the 80th minute.
When Aziz Behich weaved through Argentina’s defence for a possible equaliser, Licha put his body on the line for a stunning last-ditch tackle, earning a vital win for Argentina that effectively sent them through the knockouts.
Raphael Varane (France)
Raphael Varane has started for every France game since being not fully fit in their opener against Australia.
In this tournament, Varane has looked good with the ball, having completed 89.8% of his passes -averaging 42.7 passes per match as well as 1.7 long balls.
He’ll get another chance to show why he’s the better United centre-back over Harry Maguire in their quarter-finals tiff later.
Christian Eriksen (Denmark)
Denmark were tipped by the World Cup 2022 odds as one of the dark horses, but Christian Eriksen and co. had only picked up a point in the group stage and exited early.
Eriksen started and played the full 90 minutes in each group stage match for Denmark. However, he was unable to inspire his country to advance to the knockouts.
The Danish midfielder will get his chance to rest before returning to action for United.
Tyrell Malacia (Netherlands)
Tyrell Malacia didn’t play a single minute in the World Cup as Louis van Gaal opted to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation for the most part.
In his debut season at Old Trafford, Malacia has played in nine Premier League games. He’ll look to reclaim his place back in the starting lineup after being usurped by Luke Shaw.
Facundo Pellistri (Uruguay)
Facundo Pellistri played in all of Uruguay’s three group stage matches. He started against Ghana and South Korea and was a sub against Portugal.
The 20-year-old winger will now look to force his way into Erik ten Hag’s rotations as he has yet to make a single senior appearance for the Red Devils.
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