Man Utd duo Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford are in World Cup action tonight and both could yet have a role to play at Old Trafford next season.
Marcus Rashford gave short shrift to a question about his future before England’s World Cup showdown with Mexico City, insisting his focus is solely on the Three Lions while he’s in North America.
Rashford wanted his future sorted before the tournament, but with no move confirmed and Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon instead, he has now put thoughts about club duty on the back burner.
The 28-year-old’s camp have held positive talks with United ahead of a likely return in pre-season and the possibility of him being reintegrated into Michael Carrick’s squad is growing. Rashford wanted that Nou Camp return, but might now prefer to stay at Old Trafford rather than take another Premier League move.
His quality isn’t really in doubt, although if there is a question mark, it is over his ability to put together consistent performances. He contributed 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona last season, but also had a lengthy spell early in 2026 when he went off the boil and his performances dropped.
We are seeing a similar story in the World Cup. Rashford has had his moments, particularly off the bench, but having forced his way into the side, he could now see Gordon leapfrog him again after his two assists against DR Congo. Rashford was flat when starting in the last-32 tie.
But he could certainly have a role to play for his boyhood club next season, with United in the market to strengthen their left-hand side. Patrick Dorgu can play on the wing, but could also revert to full-back, with competition needed for Luke Shaw.
The other regular left-winger under Carrick last season was Matheus Cunha, but he is showing during the World Cup that his versatility can be a strength as well. He started last term as a No. 10 in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1, then played on the left for Carrick.
He could still stand in for Bruno Fernandes in that attacking midfield role, but has played as a striker for Brazil and has thrived under Carlo Ancelotti, with three goals in the World Cup so far. With pace and direct attacking out wide through Rayan and Vinicius Jr, Cunha has been able to drop deep and link play, as well as proving a threat in the box.
The 27-year-old has only really filled that role for United during in-game charges by Carrick, who has preferred to pick Benjamin Sesko or Bryan Mbeumo as his No. 9, but it’s clear Cunha could play that role.
If he did, Rashford is the kind of direct running left-winger that would work well with a striker who likes to get on the ball and play passes in behind. It’s a potential combination United could use next season.
For now, both still have their eyes on the biggest prize of all. Cunha’s Brazil face Norway in a tough last-16 tie tonight, before England’s daunting task in Mexico City.
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