It was another disappointing season for Manchester United as the Red Devils missed out on a top-four Premier League finish for the first time in three years.
These are uncertain times for numerous underperforming Old Trafford stars, with many facing the risk of being left out of their national team squads for the Qatar World Cup.
Let’s take a look at the Man United players that could take part in the upcoming tournament.
Brazil
Despite his patchy form at Old Trafford, Fred has been a permanent fixture in Tite’s squad.
The 29-year-old midfielder has nailed down his place in Brazil’s national team and should be a safe passenger for Qatar.
Alex Telles, on the other hand, has been in and out of the Selecao squad and still has to prove his value to Tite, who prefers Alex Sandro and Renan Lodi at left-back.
England
Another dominant qualifying campaign saw England book their 2022 World Cup tickets with a couple of games to spare.
After a Euro 2020 heartbreak, the Three Lions head to Qatar hoping to do one better.
And they have the squad to back their claim.
Harry Maguire may have turned into a scapegoat at Old Trafford but is still one of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted allies.
Like Maguire, Luke Shaw has earned high acclaim from the England gaffer and should make the Three Lions’ World Cup squad.
Unfortunately, that does not apply to Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
After an underwhelming 2021/22 season, both wingers face an uphill task to recover their places within the national team.
Both forwards formed part of the England team that finished runners-up at Euro 2020 but have since fallen out of favour with Southgate.
France
Paul Pogba will no longer be part of the Old Trafford dressing room after the summer.
It leaves Raphael Varane as the only Man United star that will represent reigning world champions France at the upcoming tournament.
The ex-Real Madrid centre-back had a topsy-turvy maiden season in the Premier League.
However, he remains an essential component of Didier Deschamps’ star-studded squad.
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial, who missed out on the last World Cup due to injury, will likely skip the Qatar showpiece.
Netherlands
Erik ten Hag’s appointment as a new chief of staff at Man United could throw Donny van de Beek a World Cup lifeline.
The Dutch midfielder has lost his place at the Netherlands national team following a torrid time in the Premier League.
Louis van Gaal urged the ex-Ajax prodigy to ensure regular first-team football to boost his chances of rejoining the national team last season.
Though van de Beek failed to adhere to the Netherlands coach’s demands in 2021/22, things could change next term.
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo’s last-ditch attempt to win the World Cup and further cement his place in football’s hall of fame will see him captain Portugal in Qatar.
The 37-year-old will have his Man United teammate Bruno Fernandes to keep him company as the two are expected to fight side by side in Portugal’s bid for glory.
Diogo Dalot has realistic chances of joining the two on the plane to Qatar, even though he is unlikely to play a significant role in Fernando Santos’ set-up.
Spain
David de Gea recovered his status as Man United’s No1 last season and, in turn, preserved his place in Spain’s national team.
However, the three-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award-winner has been demoted to playing second fiddle to Athletic Bilbao stalwart Unai Simon at La Furia Roja.
Sweden
Elanga’s meteoric rise at the Theatre of Dreams has bought him a place in Janne Andersson’s Sweden side.
The quick-silver winger has come knocking on the door of Sweden’s starting XI over the past few months.
If his career stays on the upwards trajectory, he may as well be one of the nation’s heroes in Qatar.
