Manchester United World Cup 2022 Review: Matchday 1
It may be being held during unprecedented circumstances but the Qatar World Cup is in full swing. For the most part, Manchester United’s boys have taken kindly to the scorching conditions.
Some were involved in goals, while others were involved in some all-time upsets here’s a look at how each player involved performed:
England 6-2 Iran
England’s fixture vs Iran saw United’s international representatives take to the stage for the first time. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire started to form Gareth Southgate’s tried and tested left side of defence. The pair played a huge part in kicking off the Three Lions’ campaign in emphatic fashion as they set up goals as England put six past the Iranians.
Embed from Getty ImagesShaw’s first-time cross to set up Jude Bellingham opened the scoring. Harry Maguire’s assist came as he cushioned a header down for Bukayo Saka to fire away. Not only were Shaw’s and Maguire’s creativity on display for the most part they were comfortable defensively. One may argue that Harry Maguire lost his ma for Iran’s first goal but other than that he was solid. United’s contribution to England’s performance didn’t stop there. With England dominant and 4-0 up Marcus Rashford was introduced and a matter of seconds later he had found the back of the net.
England take on the USA in Matchday 2
Senegal 0-2 Netherlands
Tyrell Malacia will be hoping to make his World Cup debut vs Ecuador in Matchday 2. The left-back was an unused sub as United summer targets Cody Gakpo and De Jong combined to win the Dutch the game.
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
Argentina’s loss to Saudi Arabia saw one of the biggest shock victories in World Cup history. The result was so huge to the Saudis that a national bank holiday was announced to celebrate the occasion. United’s butcher arguably played a big part in the result while simultaneously not playing a big part.
Embed from Getty ImagesLisandro Martinez missed the first hour of the game and so wasn’t on the pitch for all three goals. However, his absence from the side has been argued to have cost the Argentines. There was some shock as Martinez was benched for the veteran Nicolas Otamendi. however, after seeing how Christian Romero performed as the game progressed there was a case for Licha to start over the Tottenham centre-back also. Lisandro Martinez is another that should be in for a start vs Mexico in Matchday 2.
Denmark 0-0 Tunisia
The first United head-to-head clash also saw the first goalless draw of the competition. Christian Eriksen started for Denmark in an emotional return to representing his nation at a major tournament. Hannibal Mejbri managed his World Cup debut after coming on in the 80th minute.
Eriksen’s Denmark will take on France while Tunisia take on Australia in Matchday 2.
France 4-1 Australia
Raphael Varane was on the bench as the World Champions put four past Australia. Still recovering from injury, it’s unclear as to what role Varane will play vs Denmark.
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
Facundo Pellistri is still yet to make his official Manchester United first-team debut but that doesn’t stop him from representing his nation. Pellistri made his World Cup debut as he started to earn his eighth international Cap. The winger also managed to create the most chances in the game. Unfortunately, it is the only World Cup game this century to not register a shot on target.
Uruguay take on Portugal in Matchday 2.
Portugal 3-2 Ghana
Embed from Getty ImagesUnited entered the World Cup with 14 players representing the Reds. The total of United players at the World Cup is now 13. Cristiano Ronaldo, following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan and his sacking, is no longer a United player. As a result, the only United player that started for Portugal was Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes played a pivotal role in proceedings, setting up two that prized the game away from the Ghanaians. Diogo Dalot was an unused substitute.
Portugal take on Uruguay in Matchday 2
Brazil 2-0 Serbia
United’s Brazilian trio all featured vs Serbia but it was Casemiro with a masterclass in dictating play, who played the biggest role. Something that hasn’t necessarily been highlighted in Casemiro’s game is his excellent passing ability. Against Serbia, his range in passing was a joy to watch and he was sensational defensively. Him, anchoring the midfield allowed the forward players to express themselves all the way to a victory.
Brazil will play Switzerland in Matchday 2
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