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The first round of group matches of the World Cup have been played and the world’s biggest footballing extravaganza certainly hasn’t disappointed.
Spain, Portugal, Germany, Brazil and Argentina all failed to win their opening game, Russia have a goal difference of +7, last minute winners – including one by Harry Kane – have been scored all over the place along with penalties, VAR has heightened the drama, Mohamed Salah has been dumped out already.
But how, amongst all of that, have Manchester United players performed, and what comes next for them?
Paul Pogba
The knives were out for the 25-year-old following a languid first 80 minutes from France against Australia, stemming from their overall lack of zip in their buildup rather than any particular player.
Nonetheless, Pogba’s deflected chipped effort, sailing over Matt Ryan to restore France’s lead and give them three points, silenced a considerable number of people. He had shown initiative and fight in that game, keen to spread the ball and carry it forward. His reward eventually came. Les Bleus can secure their place in the knockout phase with a win over Peru on Thursday.
Romelu Lukaku
He may not wear the armband but he was delivering an impassioned team talk in the middle before Belgium’s 3-0 win over Panama, during which he opened his World Cup account with two wonderfully taken goals: the first a delicate header and the second a clever loft over the keeper not dissimilar from his goal against AFC Bournemouth in April.
In other words, he led the charge for Belgium against a tricky Panama team, bringing the fighting spirit which has delighted Jose Mourinho at Man United to Belgium’s front line and ultimately settling the game. He can expect to score a few more against Tunisia.
Fellaini’s contract expires at Old Trafford in a matter of days, with chances of him renewing practically nonexistent as he focuses solely on the finals with Belgium. He was not granted the chance to show what he can do against Panama, however, watching on from the bench.
Monday night would have been a proud moment for Young, whose international career appeared to be over a year ago. He has earned a starting place in Gareth Southgate’s team and supplied a perfect cross for Harry Kane’s opener against Tunisia after ten minutes, going on to demonstrate an impressive penchant for set pieces which makes you wonder why Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata have taken corners for so long at United.
He was defensively disciplined as ever but his use of the ball was often predictable and compounded the sluggishness which had crept into England’s game.
A difficult opening for the world’s best keeper: three goals conceded, one of which spilled out of his hands and gave Portugal the lead. On the second night of the World Cup, with everyone watching, it was a blunder seen across the globe. He was predictably pilloried in the Spanish media afterwards.
He will start against Iran this evening and will hope to restore some calm to Spain’s defence after a bonkers opening game.
Victor Lindelof
Lindelof was all set for his World Cup debut against South Korea, only to be laid out by an illness the night before. It would have been heartbreaking for 23-year-old, who played such a fundamental role in qualifiers. Supporters will hope to see him back for Sweden’s clash with Germany this weekend.
The 20-year-old was thrown on with England needing a goal and, just like against Iceland two years ago, injected life into a quickly stagnating display.
He carried the ball forward with zip, brought others into the game, won corners and fouls, visibly lifting those around him. Alongside Ruben Loftus Cheek, the youngster brought England out of their slumber and laid the platform for a late winner.
Making his World Cup debut, you could forgive Lingard for letting some nerves creep into his game. He was ebullient for the opening 25 minutes, darting forward in mesmeric fashion alongside Raheem Sterling and Dele Alli. He was a live wire, producing rapid link up play with those around him and carving out openings. His finishing, however, let him down: three big chances missed in the first half.
Nonetheless, it was a performance he can certainly build on against Panama.
Nemanja Matic
A winning start for the Serbian: performed with all his usual steadiness and subtle craft on the ball at the base of midfield, affording United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic the freedom to rampage forward and inflict damage in impressive fashion.
He plays a central role in keeping things tight for Serbia and they accordingly gave Costa Rica little room at all, claiming a 1-0 win to set up a must win clash with Switzerland on Friday.
This was not a poor performance from a player with minimal football since about January. The Argentine supplied the ball to Sergio Aguero for his country’s opener against Iceland but then found himself part of the whirlwind of chaos that is Argentina’s defence a few minutes later, failing to track his man as Iceland equalised.
He recovered in the second half, moving the ball with intent and heading clearances away without issue, but spent most of the time – like every Argentina player – watching and hoping Lionel Messi saved them.
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| Article Name | World Cup one week roundup: How have Manchester United players performed? |
| Description |
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| Author Name | Candyboy |
| Published On | June 20, 2018 |
| Post Category |
Man Utd
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