Man United will have a very long break from the most recent Premier League match (drawing with Bournemouth). They are not allowed to participate in European cups, then club tournaments are temporarily closed due to FIFA Days, and returning to round 32 of the Premier League will have to play the latest match of the round. Therefore, "Red Devils" fans have to wait up to 24 days to wait for the team to return in the match against Leeds on April 14.
Most of the Man United players in the first team were called up to the national team during this FIFA Days, but not everyone was in good form. Some even left some disappointment.
Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
With Cristiano Ronaldo injured and not joining the national team this time, the captain's armband of the "European Selecao" is handed over to Bruno Fernandes. In the friendly match with Mexico at Mexico City, although Portugal could not win, the performance of the Man United captain was quite impressive.
After that, Bruno continued to wear the captain's armband in the friendly match with the USA in Atlanta. He had a double assist in his team's 2-0 victory. The tail kick that created Francisco Trincao's first goal was a special highlight. After the match, coach Roberto Martinez had his own compliments for Bruno, emphasizing the importance of this midfielder in the 2026 World Cup campaign.
Matheus Cunha (Brazil)
The FIFA Days in March is an opportunity for Cunha to score points with coach Carlo Ancelotti, thereby hoping for a starting spot at the 2026 World Cup. In this gathering, Selecao does not have the service of Raphinha due to injury, so Cunha is started in both matches.
Cunha played in a deeper position than usual at Man United, supporting Vinicius Junior's defense by moving to the left wing in an impressive performance with a 3-1 victory over Croatia. However, he then played quite faintly in the 1-2 defeat to France.
Casemiro (Brazil)
Cunha's teammate in both the national team and club - Casemiro is in the final stage of his peak career. Therefore, he is very diligent whether playing for Man United or Brazil. Unlike 2 years ago when he was not called up to the national team, this time not only being called up, Casemiro also shows his importance that is difficult to replace. Although he is 34 years old, Casemiro's form is very good and Carlo Ancelotti needs to choose the right pick for the 2026 World Cup.
This veteran midfielder wore the Selecao captain's armband and played 84 minutes in the 1-2 defeat to France. After that, he played an important role in more than 60 minutes in the 3-1 victory over Croatia. Casemiro's defensive performance was particularly impressive when he showed fans the golden image of his time at Real Madrid.
Harry Maguire (England)
Thomas Tuchel has left controversy when he declared that Harry Maguire is only the 5th choice in the England national team's center-back system, despite the fact that the 33-year-old star is playing quite well in Man United's colors. The 4 people Tuchel prioritizes to play center-back are John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Trevoh Chalobah. If this view is maintained, it will be very difficult for Maguire to be called up to the final squad to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
In England's two friendly matches at FIFA Days in March, Harry Maguire started in the draw against Uruguay and sat on the bench when England lost to Japan. Not being prioritized at this time forces Maguire to play even better from now until the end of the season in a Man United shirt. Not only that, he also needs to wait and see if any of the 4 stars mentioned above are losing form.
Senne Lammens (Belgium)
The Belgian national team just had a friendly trip to the US and Mexico. With Thibaut Courtois injured, an opportunity has come to Lammens. He started in the match against the USA and sat on the bench for Matz Sel in the match against Mexico.
In the 5-2 overwhelming victory over the US home team, Lammens made a very excellent save after Weston McKennie's dangerous shot. The performance may not be enough for Lammens to start at the 2026 World Cup when Courtois returns. However, he is showing that he is the future of the team, not Matz Sel, for the position of Courtois' successor in goal.
