Manchester United Players’ World Cup 2026 Performances and Return Dates to Carrington

Spain secured the 2026 World Cup title at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, concluding an event marked by unusual delays and a controversial final.

The championship match began late, featured four hydration breaks dividing the game into quarters, and included an extended 26-minute halftime show. Following Spain’s victory, the losing team, Argentina, notably turned their backs during the trophy presentation and engaged in physical altercations with Spanish players.

Overall, the tournament held across Canada, Mexico, and the USA provided entertaining football, with the expanded 48-team format proving successful despite initial doubts.

Attention now turns to domestic football, as Manchester United prepares to welcome back its players at Carrington. Below is an overview of the club’s players’ World Cup performances and their expected return to training.

Injuries and Early Returns

Lisandro Martinez

The Argentine defender, 28, was a key figure for his national team, starting all but one match and scoring a crucial goal in the extra-time victory over Cape Verde. However, he sustained a thigh injury in the final after a foul by Mikel Oyarzabal and is returning to Old Trafford injured.

TransferMarkt reports Martinez has missed 609 days due to injury since his 2022 transfer from Ajax. He is scheduled for a three-week rest before reporting to Carrington, with his participation in pre-season dependent on scan results. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Ayden Heaven is expected to continue filling in at left-back, as he did in United’s recent 1-0 pre-season loss to Wrexham in Helsinki.

Manuel Ugarte

Ugarte’s World Cup campaign was severely affected by poor performances and a serious ACL injury in Uruguay’s final group match. The midfielder underwent surgery and faces a recovery period of 9 to 12 months, sidelining him from United’s upcoming activities.

New Signings and Prospects

Youri Tielemans

Signed unexpectedly this summer for just under $47 million, Tielemans captained Belgium to the quarter-finals, scoring twice in the match against Senegal. A minor leg injury prevented him from playing in the loss to Spain but is not considered serious. He is expected to join Manchester United’s squad at the start of next month, though his debut against Atlético Madrid on August 1 may be too soon.

Kobbie Mainoo

Mainoo did not play during England’s World Cup matches despite being a regular for United last season. England’s coach Thomas Tuchel cited a “sharp pain in the back” for his absence in the third-place playoff against France. Mainoo is anticipated to return for the August 12 match against Leeds in Dublin.

Uncertain Futures and Squad Updates

Marcus Rashford

Rashford’s status at Old Trafford remains uncertain after his loan at Barcelona ended. He participated in six of England’s eight World Cup games and performed well in the third-place playoff win over France. Although he desires a permanent move to Barcelona, no formal offer has been made. He is expected to join the squad for the Ireland training camp ahead of the August 12 fixture against Leeds United.

Altay Bayindir

Bayindir, the backup goalkeeper, did not play for Turkey during the World Cup and has been granted additional time off by Manchester United to resolve his future. With the arrival of Karl Darlow from Leeds, Bayindir is anticipated to return to Turkey, with Beșiktas mentioned among potential destinations.

Other Players’ Performances and Return Dates

Amad Diallo: Diallo had a breakout tournament, helping Ivory Coast reach the knockout stage for the first time, scoring a last-minute winner against Ecuador and a solo goal against Norway. He is set to return on August 1.

Matheus Cunha: As Brazil’s No. 9, Cunha scored three goals and celebrated with his signature surfer move before Brazil’s elimination by Norway in the round of 16. He is expected back in early August.

Senne Lammens: Lammens experienced mixed fortunes, debuting in the quarter-final after an injury to Thibaut Courtois but conceding a long-range goal that decided the match against Spain. Support from the Old Trafford fans may be important upon his return.

Noussair Mazraoui: Mazraoui was one of United’s most consistent World Cup players, excelling at left-back for Morocco and creating selection challenges for Michael Carrick. He will join the squad in Ireland.

Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot: United captain Bruno Fernandes managed one assist as Portugal exited in the Round of 16, falling short of his club record. Full-back Diogo Dalot, who had extensive appearances last season, was limited to two substitute appearances. Both players are expected back in training before the August 1 friendly against Atlético Madrid but may not be match-ready.