Manchester United were again well represented by their current and former players on day five of World Cup action.
Day five presented four fixtures again, starting with Spain vs Cape Verde, and continuing with Belgium vs Egypt, Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia, and Iran vs New Zealand.
Manuel Ugarte started for Uruguay in the most high-profile Man Utd attraction, but his teammate, another forgotten former United man, was the pick of the bunch.
Here’s how every player with a Man Utd connection rated on a day where every game was a draw.
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Manuel Ugarte – 5/10 (D vs Saudi Arabia)
It was a frustrating day out for Manuel Ugarte as his Uruguay side dropped two points against a resolute Saudi Arabia defence.
Ugarte struggled on the ball, and attracted criticism from the Uruguayan press for not doing more in midfield to get his side scoring.
It is a huge missed opportunity to take control of the club after Spain’s draw against Cape Verde earlier in the day. He will want to do better against Cape Verde in their next game.
Guillermo Varela – 8/10 (D vs Saudi Arabia)
Man Utd fans will remember Guillermo Varela as a “streets won’t forget” footballer for Man Utd who rose to prominence under Louis van Gaal.
The right-back has carved out a great career for himself and, at 33, is the first-choice right-back for Uruguay.
He proved why in a dynamic performance against Saudi Arabia, playing the full 90 minutes, creating two chances, and making six defensive actions.
Among the former Man Utd players at this World Cup, Varela’s story is right up there for how he’s rebuilt his career, and he’s started the World Cup on a positive note too.
Romelu Lukaku – 3/10 (D vs Egypt)
Romelu Lukaku is no longer a starter for the Belgium national team after a difficult season at Napoli, and he showed why against Egypt.
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The former Man Utd striker came on in the 66th minute and had just ten touches of the ball, also looking rusty and missing chances.
Gone are his piercing runs beyond the last man and moments of elite finishing. Belgium will have to find a way to win without him unless he turns it around in the next games.
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