While the 2013/2014 Premier League season has not been the best by Manchester United’s supremely high standards, a number of players will look to have better success with their national team at the World Cup. Brazil 2014 promises to be a wonderful tournament packed with the best players in the world performing on the biggest stage in world football, with thirty-two teams looking to go all the way and lift the famous trophy.
David Moyes will demand maximum effort from his players to continue their recent improvement in form, although many will have one eye on in the World Cup as the Premier League draws to a close.
Manchester United have a great chance of finishing the season on a high, with a fifth placed finish and a subsequent Europa League spot well within their sights. Although the defending Premier League champions have struggled to mount any form of defence of their title in Moyes’ first season in charge, qualifying for Europe, albeit not the Champions League, may provide an incentive for potential transfer targets to join the club. The World Cup always creates a platform for hidden talents to emerge and earn themselves a big transfer, but may also work the other way as David Moyes may have to fend off bids to prevent his star players from leaving Old Trafford. Manchester United fans will have to see how the national football team will do before fearing that their favourite players will be leaving for pastures new.
Japan
Regular first-team football has been hard to come by for Shinji Kagawa, which is perhaps surprising given the Japanese international has the flair and creative ability that Manchester United have been lacking in midfield. It is fair to say, however, that the outstanding player who set the Bundesliga alight with Borussia Dortmund has yet to really deliver at Old Trafford since he joined in the summer of 2012. Recent appearances may indicate that Kagawa can still have a big role to play at the club, but a player of his quality would expect to start every game. Kagawa is a vital component in Alberto Zaccheroni’s tactics as Japan has established a reputation for fast, free-flowing football that is attractive on the eye and produces results on the pitch. Starring at the World Cup may create significant interest in Kagawa’s services, with his chances of leaving Old Trafford considerably enhanced by any major European clubs who can promise first-team football to the 25-year-old.
Mexico
Another player who may put themselves in the shop window in Brazil is Javier Hernandez who is likely to star up front for Mexico in the 2014 World Cup. ‘Chicarito’ has played a bit-part role for Manchester United this season, but continues to show superb awareness, movement and lethal finishing that would suggest the Mexican striker should start more games. His energy and work-rate have endeared him to the hearts of Manchester United fans, but Hernandez may look to pastures new in search of regular first-team action. Excelling for Mexico during the World Cup could attract potential suitors from across Europe who would love to have a striker of Hernandez’s quality in their ranks.
England
There can be no doubt that Wayne Rooney remains a key player for club and country, with David Moyes and Roy Hodgson both praying that he does not succumb to injury between now and the World Cup. Signing a new blockbuster deal not only illustrates Rooney’s commitment to Manchester United, but may also deter Chelsea and other mega-rich clubs from trying to lure him away from Old Trafford.
Although England require a considerable effort from every player to have any chance of progressing far in Brazil, a lot depends on whether Rooney hits top form. Danny Welbeck and Michael Carrick are also likely to play a big role for England alongside Rooney as they will look to shake off previous disappointments and make their nation proud.
Spain
Although we currently have no players within the Spain national setup, two players are definitely in with a chance of breaking into Del Bosque’s plans come May. David de Gea could benefit from the injury suffered by Victor Valdes of Barcelona, however also in the running for that spot is Real Madrid’s Diego Lopez.
Juan Mata also has a chance, his recent form is certain to catch the eye, and an injury to Jese Rodriguez could see Mata force his way back in. Spain are certainly up there amongst the favourites to lift the World Cup, and this represents an excellent chance for the United duo.
Ecuador
Antonio Valencia travels to Rio with his Ecuadorian side who aren’t given much hope of glory. However, the South American teams tend to do well when the tournament is held in their continent, so theres every chance they could surprise a few.
Holland
Van Gaal’s Holland side have some excellent players, including Manchester United’s Robin van Persie. The striker is currently out injured but is expected to be fit for the World Cup.
With players like Arjen Robben, and Wesley Sneijder in their armoury, if they play well enough they’ll always have a chance to progress far into the competition. They made it to the final in South Africa, so they’ll certainly be hoping to match that this year.
Belgium
Marouane Fellaini is almost certain to be a part of Belgium’s starting line-up. They are the nation that are on the up at the moment, and defensively they look very solid. Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen are all superb defenders, and who can forget the talent of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku up front.
Portugal
The sole United participant from Portugal is the winger Nani. He’s been out injured for a while but he should be able to force his way into the Portugal squad before June. His linkup play with Cristiano Ronaldo could prove vital, and he’ll have to be on top of his game if Portugal stand any chance of winning the cup.
France
Last but not least is Patrice Evra. France are in a similar position to England at the moment, and are being overlooked by many. With Karim Benzema leading the line, and Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye and Paul Pogba in the middle, they could go far.
Follow Old Trafford Faithful on Twitter for more Manchester United news.
Be the first to comment