Bruno Fernandes is already expected to have a major impact for Portugal at this summer’s World Cup, but which other Manchester United players could rival his influence?
The 31-year-old Manchester United captain was unsurprisingly named in Roberto Martinez’s 26-man Portugal squad after his sensational Premier League season.
Bruno Fernandes’ stunning run of form saw him break the Premier League assist record on the final day of the 2025-26 season in Man Utd’s 3-0 win over Brighton.
United fans are already expecting Fernandes to perform well, but United In Focus’ writers were tasked to pick out other impactful players for this summer’s World Cup.
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We have picked our ULTIMATE MAN UTD WORLD CUP XI – Tell us what you would change?
Criteria: They don't need to have been playing for Man Utd at the time of their World Cup heroics
Dan Coombs — Tyler Fletcher (midfielder), Scotland
I cannot see past Bruno Fernandes overall, but I actually think one of the stories of the tournament from a Manchester United perspective has the potential to be Tyler Fletcher with Scotland.
He’s had a rapid rise into their set-up and is pretty fearless right now. He’s a player we all want to see more of — to see what he can do at this level. If he gets a chance, I think Tyler Fletcher could shine for Scotland.
Jonny Maze — Matheus Cunha (winger/forward), Brazil
Outside of the obvious pick of Bruno Fernandes, I think Matheus Cunha will have a great World Cup for Brazil.
When watching Brazil play, the team functions a lot better with Cunha up front, as he does all the hard work that Vinicius Junior and others won’t do. If Brazil go far, Cunha will be central, not to mention Carlo Ancelotti loves him.
Dale O’Donnell — Amad Diallo (winger), Ivory Coast
I’m expecting the Ivory Coast to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time, with Amad Diallo playing a significant role.
The 23-year-old United winger scored a beautiful goal in a 2-1 win over France in one of the pre-World Cup friendly matches.
Hopefully, Amad can replicate that at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast.
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Vatsal Gupta — Amad Diallo (winger), Ivory Coast
Amad Diallo looks like a different player playing for the Ivory Coast, and with Curacao and Ecuador in Group E, he can rack up raw stats quickly.
Germany are on many people’s upset watch, which are the third team in Amad’s group. I am predicting a fairytale run for the Ivorian that sees him return to Man Utd as a reborn player in the world-class bracket, putting to rest all doubts over him this season. Watch this space!
Sean Fisher — Matheus Cunha (winger/forward), Brazil
Outside of Bruno Fernandes, I can see Matheus Cunha having a strong World Cup in this Brazil side.
There is a huge amount of attacking talent in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but the Italian seems to be a big admirer of Cunha and what he can bring to the team.
As Brazil’s No 9, I’m expecting Cunha to play a big part in their World Cup campaign, where the objective will be to win their sixth trophy!
Adnan Riaz — Casemiro (midfielder), Brazil
Casemiro’s contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the month, so he is still a Red Devils player during the World Cup tournament in North America.
The 34-year-old Brazilian is likely heading to his final World Cup competition and it feels fitting that it is under former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti is no fool either, as he wasted no time bringing Casemiro back into the Brazil national team fold in 2025 and handed him the captain’s armband as well.
After his resurgence at Old Trafford — and his emotional farewell to fans — last season, I have a feeling that Casemiro is going to have a major impact at the World Cup.
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