How Manchester United Players Fared at World Cup 2026 and When They’ll Be Back Training at Carrington | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup drew to a remarkable conclusion at the weekend as Spain lifted football’s most famous trophy at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Remarkable, perhaps, for the wrong reasons. The final kicked-off late, the game was split into four quarters by those loathed “hydration breaks,” and fans had to endure a bizarre 26 minute half-time show.

To top it off, the defeated finalists—or VARgentina, as they’ll now be known—completed the full cycle of shithousery by turning their backs on Spain during the trophy presentation (after punching a few of the Spanish players for good measure).

Generally speaking, though, the action on the pitch across Canada, Mexico, and the USA was thoroughly entertaining. Despite the skepticism, the expanded 48-team format was a huge success.

Now, the focus shifts back to domestic football. After a much-needed period of R&R, the training ground at Carrington is about to fill up again. Here is the lowdown on how Manchester United’s global contingent performed at the World Cup and when we might see them back in Red.

The Walking Wounded & Early Returns

Lisandro Martinez

The 28-year-old had a brilliant run to the final, starting all but one match for Argentina and netting a vital goal in the 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde. However, the “Butcher” looks to have been sent back blunted. He pulled up with a thigh injury after a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal in the final and returns to Old Trafford with another injury..

According to TransferMarkt, Martinez has now missed a staggering 609 days through injury since joining from Ajax in 2022. He’s due three weeks off before reporting to Carrington, but his involvement in the latter part of pre-season depends on the scan results. In the meantime, expect 19-year-old Ayden Heaven to continue deputising on the left side of the defense – as did for United’s first pre-season game, a 1-0 loss to Wrexham in Helsinki at the weekend.

Manuel Ugarte

If Martinez’s tournament was bittersweet, Ugarte’s was an unmitigated disaster. Intended to be a shop window for the struggling midfielder, he was instead slaughtered by the Uruguayan media for his performances at the World Cup. To make matters worse, he suffered a serious ACL injury in the final group game. United have confirmed he has undergone surgery and faces 9–12 months on the sidelines.

The New Boy & The Future

Youri Tielemans

A surprise summer signing but United looks to have secured a bargain at just under $47m. Tielemans captained Belgium to the quarter-finals of the World Cup and was instrumental throughout, scoring twice in their thriller against Senegal. A minor leg injury kept him out of the defeat to Spain, but it isn’t thought to be serious. He’ll join his new teammates at the start of next month, though the August 1st clash with Atletico Madrid might be too soon for his debut.

Kobbie Mainoo

Frankly, the World Cup was a waste of time for Mainoo. Despite becoming a mainstay of Michael Carrick’s United in the second-half of last season, the midfielder didn’t see a single minute of action for England. The semi-final defeat against Argentina was crying out for a player who can receive and control the ball in tight spaces, yet he remained glued to the bench. A “sharp pain in the back”, according to England boss Thomas Tuchel, ruled him out of the third-place play-off win over France. He’s expected back for the Leeds clash in Dublin on August 12.

The “Will They Stay or Go?” Brigade

Marcus Rashford

Rashford’s future at Old Trafford following the end of his loan at Barcelona remains a major talking point. He enjoyed a decent World Cup, featuring in six of England’s eight games, and looked sharp and dangerous in the 6-4 third-place play-off win over France. Despite his desire for a permanent move to Barcelona—who signed Anthony Gordon out of the blue instead—there has been no concrete offer for United’s top earner. As it stands, he is set to join the squad for the Ireland training camp ahead of the Croke Park fixture with Leeds United on August 12.

Altay Bayindir

The back-up goalkeeper did not feature for Turkey at the World Cup and Bayindir has been given extra time off by Manchester United to sort out his future. With new keeper Karl Darlow signing from Leeds, former Fenerbahçe stopper Bayindir is expected to head back to Turkey, with Beșiktas among the clubs linked with a transfer.

Stunners, Spills, and Surfer Celebrations: How the Rest Fared

Amad Diallo: A breakout tournament. He led the Ivory Coast to the knockout stage for the first time, scoring a 90th-minute winner against Ecuador and also netting a solo stunner against Norway. He’ll return on a high on August 1st.

Matheus Cunha: Brazil’s No.9 actually lived up to the shirt, scoring three goals (and unleashing his famous surfer celebration) before A Seleção were upset by Norway in the round of 16 . Expect him back in early August.

Senne Lammens: A rollercoaster of “joy and despair.” He made his World Cup debut in the quarter-final following an injury to Thibaut Courtois, only to spill a long-range shot that led to Spain’s winner. He might need the Old Trafford faithful to get behind him, David Beckham style, when he returns.

Noussair Mazraoui: Perhaps United’s most consistent performer at the World Cup. He was excellent at left-back for Morocco and has given Michael Carrick a real selection headache. He’ll join the squad in Ireland.

The Portuguese Pair: United captain Bruno Fernandes couldn’t replicate his record-breaking club form (21 Premier League assists!), managing just one as a struggling Portugal exited to Spain in the Round of 16. Full-back Diogo Dalot, who made more appearances than all but two United players last season, was oddly sidelined, limited to just two substitute appearances. Both are expected back in training before the Atlético Madrid friendly on August 1 but may not be ready to play.