Manchester United are amid a torturous run of five years without a trophy, which new manager Erik ten Hag is attempting to put right.
There is genuine reason for encouragement under new boss Ten Hag, which has helped give many of the club’s stars confidence to perform well at the World Cup.
11 of United’s 15 players at the tournament have qualified for the quarter-finals, with some very impressive individual performances mixed in.
When we look at the tournament as a whole up until this point, it would be accurate to say Manchester United have two of the best three midfielders in Qatar.
Best three midfielders at the World Cup
Manchester United can boast of having two of the three best midfielders at the World Cup so far. With a bit of luck – and a lot of money – the club could soon have a third.
Casemiro
Casemiro has been immense for Brazil so far in Qatar. During his first two games, Brazil did not even face a shot at goal, testament to his shielding in defensive midfield.
He even topped off his hard work by scoring the winning goal against Switzerland. Brazil left him out of their final group game and paid the price, they lost to Cameroon.
Upon his return to the side for the knockout stages, Casemiro inspired a 4-1 win over South Korea, which could easily have been by a higher margin if they wanted.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is enjoying a sensation tournament so far, emerging as Portugal’s key player in attack, with Cristiano Ronaldo an afterthought.
Fernandes provided two assists in Portugal’s opener, before scoring twice in their second game. Like Casemiro, he was rested for the final group match, and his side slumped to a defeat.
He returned to centre stage against Switzerland last night, providing an assist, and creating more chances than any player on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham
England’s wonderkid Jude Bellingham is making the tournament his own. He has started all four games and inspired the Three Lions’ path to the quarter-finals.
Bellingham has one goal and one assist, and has not just been England’s key player, he is a footballer who would grace any team at the tournament.
The 19-year-old almost signed for Manchester United in 2020, and remains a key transfer target for the club, with Forbes reporting this week that an attempt will be made to sign him next summer.
Casemiro, Fernandes, and Bellingham could well feature in the World Cup team of the tournament if they keep up their form, and they would make a well balanced midfield for Manchester United too.
United have two of the three already, and are one transfer away from building the World Cup’s dream midfield.
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