Manchester United have several players in action at the 2026 World Cup, with many making headlines in their group stage openers.
From Group C, all the way through to Group L, let’s take a look at how the Red Devils’ representatives got on in their first games of the tournament in North America.
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) – 8/10
Despite not being given the start in Ivory Coast’s group stage opener against Ecuador, Amad Diallo was the difference-maker for his nation.
Bazoumana Toure and Yan Diomande were entrusted to start on the flanks, before Amad made his entrance just ten minutes into the second half. The United star completed the most dribbles of any player, despite playing just 34 minutes, and scored a brilliant 90th-minute winner.
Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) – 5/10
Portugal failed to overcome DR Congo, and despite 0.54 expected assists, Bruno Fernandes did not look at his best in the game.
Rather than occupying a deeper position and using his long-range passing abilities, the United captain played close to the striker to offset the lack of pace from ageing Cristiano Ronaldo. Like at Old Trafford, Bruno needs a striker and wingers to make runs in behind to get the best out of him, which was not offered.
Altay Bayindir (Türkiye) – N/A
Manchester United’s backup goalkeeper did not play in Türkiye’s opening game, as his nation lost 2-0 to Australia.
The Turks have already been knocked out after another defeat in game two, so Bayindir will hope for a token start against the USA.
Matheus Cunha (Brazil) – 6/10
Matheus Cunha played just 29 minutes in Brazil’s opener against Morocco, as Brentford’s Igor Thiago was handed a start in the centre of attack.
Brazil drew 1-1, and Cunha showed a performance enough to earn a start in game two versus Haiti, in which he dazzled and scored two goals. Cunha will undoubtedly start his nation’s third group game as they chase qualification for the Round of 32.
Diogo Dalot (Portugal) – N/A
Diogo Dalot did not feature in Portugal’s opener against DR Congo. His nation failed to beat the side ranked 46th in the world as Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo were picked out by the media for underwhelming performances.
Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes played in the full-back positions for Portugal, and former Wolves full-back Nelson Semedo came on for the PSG full-back for the final 20 minutes of the game.
Tyler Fletcher (Scotland) – N/A
Tyler Fletcher played just twice for the Manchester United first team in the 2025/26 season, but was named as a late call-up for Steve Clarke’s 26-man Scotland squad after the injury of Billy Gilmour.
The 19-year-old did not play a part in Scotland’s 1-0 win over Haiti, as they scraped through to win their first tournament game.
Marcus Rashford (England) – 7/10
United academy product Rashford will hope he’s done enough to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s team after scoring England’s fourth goal against Croatia.
Despite starting from the bench, overlooked by Anthony Gordon, who has also won a transfer to Barcelona over Rashford, the 28-year-old made an immediate impact, netting a magnificent 85th-minute goal to seal the win.
Senne Lammens (Belgium) – N/A
Manchester United goalie Senne Lammens did not start over Thibaut Courtois in Belgium’s opener against Egypt, in which they drew 1-1.
For now, the 23-year-old remains second fiddle in the Belgium set-up, but with Courtois approaching his final years in football, a starting spot could soon be vacated.
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) – 8/10
In their 1-1 draw against Brazil, Morocco were impressive, and that goes for United full-back Noussair Mazraoui too, who had the most defensive contributions of any player on the pitch (10).
It was a tough ask to play against one of the best wingers in the world in Raphinha, but Mazraoui handled it well, before being forced off with a minor injury in the 80th minute.
Kobbie Mainoo (England) – N/A
Three Lions’ boss Thomas Tuchel seemingly prefers the pairing of Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice to one of Mainoo and the latter, who played together in the 2024 European Championships Final.
United’s starboy did not feature in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia, despite Declan Rice being substituted in the second half, but will be hoping to be given an opportunity to make an impact at some stage in the tournament.
Lisandro Martinez (Argentina) – 7/10
Lionel Messi stole the headlines with a hat-trick in Argentina’s opener against Algeria, but Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was a rock at the back in a complete 90-minute performance.
The so-called ‘Butcher’ was not dribbled past once in the game, completed one last-man tackle and won 100% of his duels. A sensational performance.
It was a mixed start from Manchester United’s representatives at the World Cup, but the players who featured did not let themselves down.
What comes next for them in matchweek two will be intriguing, with some teams already kicking off their second group games.
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