With the 2022 FIFA World Cup now completed, the focus turns back to club action. Premier League teams like Manchester United are gearing back up for domestic and continental play, which will begin soon.When are Manchester United World Cup players back?
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, spent the World Cup preparing for this competitive return by training with the players in his team who were not on World Cup duty. They stayed in shape by playing friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis, both of which Man United lost.
The Red Devils will now be hoping for a quick return of their World Cup participation. Some were given extra time to heal after early exits, while others went the distance in the knockout stage and only recently finished their World Cup trips.
Here are the latest updates for the likes of Bruno Fernandes (Portugal), Raphael Varane (France), Lisandro Martinez (Argentina), and others plotting a return to the Red Devils squad.
Here is the full list of players who traveled to Qatar with their national teams in order of when they were knocked out:
- Nov. 30: Christian Eriksen (Denmark)
- Dec. 2: Facundo Pellistri (Uruguay)
- Dec. 9: Tyrell Malacia (Netherlands)
- Dec. 9: Fred (Brazil)
- Dec. 9: Casemiro (Brazil)
- Dec. 9: Antony (Brazil)
- Dec. 10: Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
- Dec. 10: Diogo Dalot (Portugal)
- Dec. 10: Harry Maguire (England)
- Dec. 10: Marcus Rashford (England)
- Dec. 10: Luke Shaw (England)
- Dec. 18: Raphael Varane (France)
- Dec. 18: Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)
When does Manchester United play next?
Manchester United return to competitive action against Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, December 21 at 8 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. ET).
Reports in England state that Erik ten Hag will name a “strong team” for that match, although who exactly will be in that squad remains unclear.
They then turn around to make their Premier League return on Tuesday, December 27 against Nottingham Forest.
Which Man United players have returned from World Cup?
According to reports, many of the England players are back in training, including Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Marcus Rashford.
England exited the World Cup in heartbreaking fashion, falling to France 2-1 in the quarterfinals thanks to a missed penalty from Harry Kane. That happened on December 10, affording those players time to take a breather after wrapping up participation in the tournament.
Portugal, meanwhile, were also knocked out in the quarterfinals on December 10, meaning Bruno Fernandes has returned, as has Netherlands full-back Tyrell Malacia who departed Qatar with the rest of his Oranje teammates on December 9 after their quarterfinal defeat to eventual champions Argentina.
Which Man United players have not returned from World Cup?
Full-back Diogo Dalot has not yet returned to training following Portugal’s departure from the World Cup. He was forced off early in the quarterfinal defeat to Morocco, although there is little reported information regarding his injury.
France defender Raphael Varane, meanwhile, reached the final with Les Bleus on December 18. Varane started every single match except the opener against Australia, playing nearly every minute of every game after.
According to the Manchester Evening News, despite being unfit towards the end of the final against Argentina, Varane was not hurt and will allegedly return for the encounter against Wolves on New Year’s Eve.
Manchester United will also be without Varane’s centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez, who helped Argentina win the World Cup. Martinez was overshadowed by defensive talents Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero during the tournament, but he will need time to reintegrate with the Manchester United group after coming home to Argentina to celebrate their victory. Martinez is expected to rejoin Manchester United around the same time as Varane.
Where does Cristiano Ronaldo go after World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo has been freed by Manchester United after being released while on World Cup duty.
Ronaldo’s contract at Manchester United was invalidated, allowing him to become a free agent and look for a new team.
According to sources, Ronaldo has received a large contract offer from Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr, which would make him the most paid player in the world by a wide margin, but he has yet to sign on the dotted line. Other clubs are apparently interested in his services.