We’re just under a month away from the start of the World Cup 2018, and the world is eagerly anticipating the tournament. With the domestic season coming to an end, the best players in the world are now setting their eyes on Russia. Last time we looked at Barcelona, today we’re analyzing the prospects of Manchester United players in Russia.
Below we present our list of 5 Manchester United players to watch out for in the World Cup 2018.
David De Gea
Arguably the world’s best goalkeeper will undoubtedly steal the headlines in Russia. In a squad packed with undeniable talent, the 27-year-old is perhaps the most proven of the 23-man Spanish team. Spain already has a plethora of creative playmakers and star strikers. However, with De Gea in between the sticks, their hopes of World Cup glory are all but secured.
What chance do you have against a team that you can’t get the ball off AND can’t score against due to their world-class keeper? Manuel Neuer has only just returned to full fitness, but this is the summer where the unofficial passing of the torch will occur.
Marouane Fellaini
An outsider at Manchester United but somehow an integral part of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad. Fellaini is in the 23-man squad ahead of none other than Radja Nainggolan. That’s how much the Belgian manager believes in him, and the 30-year-old will repay that show of faith.
He may be an eyesore on the pitch and clumsy on the ball, but when on form, Fellaini is an asset most managers in world football would love to have. His aerial presence can destabilise any defence in the world and when Roberto Martinez’s needs a plan B, Marouane Fellaini will be available from the bench.
Jesse Lingard
It seems as though Gareth Southgate’s show of faith in Jesse Lingard has done wonders for the 25-year-old. Since last summer, he’s been one of Jose Mourinho’s key men, and for England, he’s integral to how the Three Lions attack.
Lingard is the link between midfield and attack. This is the reason he’s integral for Southgate’s 3-5-2 not to be classified as a ‘park the bus’ tactic. Jesse Lingard’s form will be the difference between England excelling in the summer or just another disappointing international tournament.
Paul Pogba
It carries quite a lot of weight to be a £89m-rated player. But for Paul Pogba, that weight has been made more substantial by the inept tactics of his club manager. Everyone knows that in a midfield three, Pogba excels.
At Manchester United, the 25-year-old has been lambasted for his incompetent defensive showings, but for France, he’s heralded for his attacking prowess. So, for the umpteenth time, Pogba will show in French colours why he’s so highly rated.
Romelu Lukaku
Just so we’re clear, Romelu Lukaku is one of the most prolific strikers on the planet. At just 25 years of age, the Belgian has already scored 134 club goals. He’s Belgium’s all-time top scorer with 30 and there’s no reason why Romelu Lukaku can’t win the Golden Boot in Russia. He’s quick, powerful, strong and composed in front of goal.