Three more teams have advanced to the next round of the World Cup, and Man Utd will have learned one thing from each game.
There were no upsets in sight this time, with France sweeping aside Norway, Mexico winning their home game against Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast falling to Norway.
Amad’s elimination is the biggest story for Man Utd, even though the player performed brilliantly on the day.
Here’s one thing United will have learned from each fixture.
Mateus Fernandes is set to join Tottenham for £85m: What is your INSTANT REACTION?
WHO do you want Man Utd to sign instead?
France vs Sweden – Aurelien Tchouameni is worth the wait
The midfield search at Old Trafford hit another snag recently when Mateus Fernandes decided to sign for Spurs for a remarkable £85m fee.
The elite market is now thinning rapidly, and one name stands head and shoulders above the rest: that of Aurelien Tchouameni.
There are genuine murmurs of the Real Madrid midfielder being on the market, and even though United are wary about spending huge fees and wages, Tchouameni is one player worth the wait.
He showed again, vs Sweden, that he is the perfect modern midfielder and the ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo with another all-action performance.
If there was ever a player to break the bank for, Tchouameni is it, even if it takes time.
Ivory Coast vs Norway – Amad will be like a new signing
It’s a footballing cliche, but after the club season Amad had at United, the version tearing up the World Cup is a welcome development.
The winger made it all happen for his nation despite not playing as much as he would have liked, and it was his effort vs Norway that brought them back into the game.
A confident Amad is a world-class Amad, and Man Utd fans will hope that he brings that confidence back to Carrington.
If he achieves the levels he showed under Ruben Amorim, but in a successful team, then he will be like a new signing.
Mexico vs Ecuador – Old Trafford needs to be a fortress
Mexico vs Ecuador didn’t have a player-specific lesson for Man Utd, even though 17-year-old Gilberto Mora shone in midfield.
What does success for Man Utd look like for you in 2026/27?
While it's early days (we need new signings) – tell us what you think United should be aiming for?
Rather, United should notice the energy of the Mexican fans, who made the stadium their cauldron, as the team took full advantage of playing at home.
Ecuador weren’t in the game from minute one, and the energy of the fans drove the Mexican players to raise their levels.
Michael Carrick succeeded in turning Old Trafford into somewhat of a fortress last season, and the same needs to continue this time.
Domination at home can raise levels and decide the trajectory of the campaign. Mexico are proving it.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
