Several Manchester United players have been called up by their national teams for the 2026 World Cup, but many of the club’s transfer targets won’t be going and will have the entire summer to plan their future.
Multiple national teams have begun announcing their final rosters for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
There was good news for Kobbie Mainoo, who made Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, while Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were less fortunate.
On top of that, there is a list of players being linked with moves to United who won’t be at the tournament, either due to failing to qualify or not being selected.
Harry Maguire has been left out of England’s World Cup squad ❌🦁 did he deserve a spot on the plane?
Maguire has admitted he is "shocked and gutted". What are your thoughts on Tuchel's decision?😳
Mateus Fernandes and Ederson among Man Utd targets not going to 2026 World Cup
There won’t be a shortage of football this summer.
United fans will have an opportunity to keep track of not only their own players at the World Cup, but potential signings, too.
However, United In Focus is taking a look at 10 players being linked with moves to Old Trafford who won’t be competing in this summer’s tournament.
Mateus Fernandes: The West Ham midfielder was a surprise omission from Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad.
Lewis Hall: The highly-rated left-back was overlooked by Tuchel, who preferred Djed Spence and Tino Livramento for his England squad.
Carlos Baleba: Cameroon failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Sandro Tonali: Another disappointing qualifying campaign for Italy means they won’t be at the World Cup.
Hayden Hackney: The Middlesbrough midfielder has yet to earn his first England cap, despite representing the Three Lions at the youth level.
Adam Wharton: One of the biggest surprise omissions from the England squad, along with Maguire. It’s even more baffling that Jordan Henderson was selected ahead of the Crystal Palace star.
Ederson: Overlooked by Carlo Ancelotti in the Brazil squad.
Alex Scott: Like Wharton, the Bournemouth ace has every right to feel aggrieved with missing out on a place in the England squad.
Jarrod Bowen: The West Ham forward didn’t make the cut for Tuchel’s Three Lions squad.
Morgan Gibbs-White: Like Bowen, Nottingham Forest failed to make Tuchel’s 26-man squad.
Sir Alex Ferguson shared his tip ahead of World Cup 2026!
Who do YOU think is the favourite to win the World Cup? What do you think of Fergie's assessment?
Ex-Man Utd ace James Garner can feel hard done by
Tuchel’s squad selection will dominate the headlines for a few days.
Another player who can feel aggrieved after missing out is former United midfielder James Garner.
Tuchel called the Everton star ‘England’s Valverde’ in March before opting not to pick him.
England has multiple options in the holding midfield role, so there were always going to be talented players who would miss out.
It just seems bizarre that Tuchel would leave behind a player he views as the English Valverde.
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