World Cup watch: How Man United stars performed in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel at West Ham
Manchester United stars were handed a golden opportunity to catch the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who was watching closely from the stands at the London Stadium during the clash with West Ham United.
With the World Cup edging closer, several players are running out of chances to stake their claim and book a seat on the plane for football’s biggest stage.
Competition for places in the Three Lions squad is fierce, with Tuchel able to call on a formidable blend of emerging talent and proven international experience.
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo have all been on the fringes of the national setup in recent months, but none of them can be completely ruled out of Tuchel’s plans.
Harry Maguire
The 32-year-old produced a fabulous, dominant show against the Hammers.
Despite picking up a knock in the first half, Maguire carried on and made some crucial interventions.
He won all five of his duels and recorded 96% passing accuracy.
Tuchel has plenty of options at centre-back, but Maguire’s experience, leadership and physical presence offer a profile that few others in the pool can replicate.
His recent resurgence has been so impressive that it has strengthened United’s case to extend his contract, which is currently due to expire at the end of June.
Luke Shaw
While Tuchel is blessed with depth at centre-back, the same luxury does not exist at left-back.
The United full-back has shown remarkable durability and consistency, starting every Premier League match this season.
There have been a few minor blemishes along the way, including a costly lapse against West Ham in the build-up to Tomas Soucek’s goal.
However, when fully fit (as he is now) and playing with confidence, Shaw continues to look like England’s most complete and reliable option on the left side of defence.
Kobbie Mainoo
Before the turn of the year, it looked like Mainoo had already lost his place in the England squad. That narrative has shifted dramatically following the change of head coach at Old Trafford, which has breathed new life into his United career.
The competition for midfield places remains brutally intense, with Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson all expected to be in the mix.
Mainoo could have done better in tracking his runner for West Ham’s goal, but overall he brought much-needed calmness, balance and intelligence to United’s midfield.
His ability to receive the ball under pressure, wriggle out of tight spaces and find teammates to spark attacks sets him apart from many players of his age.
If he can maintain this upward trajectory, Tuchel may find it increasingly difficult to leave such a technically gifted and composed midfielder out of his World Cup plans.
Stats from Sofascore.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .