Red Devils at year’s main tournament: Mazraoui’s Brazilian night, perfect match for Ugarte, Lisandro’s chance, Bruno against Leopards and Mainoo’s test

The main football tournament of the year is just around the corner. The licensed platform, 1xBet Ireland, takes a look at the first matches of the national teams featuring Manchester United players.

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Brazil vs Morocco

In the group stage openers, several Manchester United players will be in action. Noussair Mazraoui is expected to line up for Morocco, while Casemiro and Matheus Cunha are set to feature for Brazil.  

Morocco reached the semi-finals of the tournament’s previous edition and remain one of Africa’s strongest sides. However, ahead of the opening fixture, Moroccan fans are left with plenty of questions. Mohamed Wahbi has only recently taken charge, and his decision to leave Youssef En-Nesyri – one of the national team’s key players in recent years – out of the squad came as a surprise. Ahead of the match against Brazil, such a change is particularly risky. The Canarinho are favourites, but Morocco are capable of springing surprises against top sides.  

Brazil vs Morocco: W1 – 1.635*, Х – 3.94*, W2 – 6.1*. 

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

Manuel Ugarte will head to the tournament with Uruguay, a side whose biggest strength lies in midfield. With veterans Luis Suárez and Nahitan Nández absent from the squad, the trio of Manuel Ugarte, Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur will be key.  

In their opening clash, La Celeste will take on Saudi Arabia, who are expected to rely on discipline and a cautious approach. It’s the perfect kind of game for the Manchester United midfielder: pressing, tackling, battling and plenty of hard work.

Saudi Arabia have their own leaders, Salem Al-Dawsari and Saud Abdulhamid, but Uruguay still possess greater individual quality. The outcome is likely to depend on which side manages to impose its style of play in midfield.    

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay: W1 – 6.75*, Х – 4.33*, W2 – 1.54*. 

Argentina vs Algeria 

In their opening match, La Albiceleste will face a tough test against a resilient Algeria side. Les Fennecs boast players such as Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Nabil Bentaleb and Riyad Mahrez – a team that knows how to play without the ball and bide their time. Argentina will counter with the movement of Julián Álvarez, the goal-scoring instinct of Lautaro Martínez and, of course, the genius of Lionel Messi.

Manchester United fans will be paying close attention to Lisandro Martínez. The defender spent much of the recently concluded club season sidelined through injury, so the tournament could help him regain full match fitness. Argentina expect Lisandro to show strength in duels, composure under pressure and the ability to start attacks from the back. Argentina are the favourites, but Algeria should not be underestimated.

Argentina vs Algeria: W1 – 1.45*, Х – 4.45*, W2 – 8.8*. 

Portugal vs DR Congo

Bruno Fernandes will begin the tournament in a match where he is expected to deliver leadership and key decisions, rather than just impressive statistics. DR Congo are expected to sit deep and defend, so the Manchester United captain will have to look for passes between the lines, increase the tempo and break down the opposition’s defence. Diogo Dalot could also play an important role, providing cover during the opposition counter-attacks and supporting Portugal’s attacks down the right flank.  

The Leopards’ squad also includes former Manchester United player Aaron Wan-Bissaka. DR Congo may not match Portugal for quality, but their physical strength and pace make them difficult opponents. The Seleção das Quinas are clear favourites, but they cannot afford to take the match lightly.

Portugal vs DR Congo: W1 – 1.295*, Х – 5.7*, W2 – 12.5*. 

England vs Croatia 

Thomas Tuchel has prioritised form over reputation, so Kobbie Mainoo’s inclusion in the England squad came as no surprise. Against Croatia, the team could benefit from his key strength: composure on the ball under pressure.

The Three Lions face a difficult test in their opening match. England are considered the favourites, but individual talent alone is unlikely to be enough. Croatia remain a formidable force in midfield, where Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić and their younger teammates know exactly how to slow the game down. England need no reminding of this, as it was Croatia who denied them a place in the 2018 final. 

England vs Croatia: W1 – 1.82*, Х – 3.82*, W2 – 4.58*. 

*Odds might change eventually.

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