- Manchester United starlet is World Cup-bound
- Red Devils youngster debuted this season
- 13 Man Utd players will feature in North America
The curtains closed on the 2025/26 club football season with Paris Saint-Germain’s satisfying victory over Arsenal in Saturday’s Champions League final. And now, aside from the fast-approaching transfer window, all focus turns towards this summer’s World Cup.
Manchester United will have a strong presence in the United States, Canada and Mexico, despite the leading names, including Bryan Mbeumo, Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko, who are watching from home.
And an unexpected member of Michael Carrick’s ranks has added to those numbers after receiving a surprise 11th-hour call-up on Sunday morning.
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Tyler Fletcher earns World Cup call-up
It has been a season to remember for Tyler Fletcher, the 19-year-old midfielder and son of United great Darren Fletcher. He made his senior Red Devils debut against Tottenham Hotspur in February before featuring in the final-day 3-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke then handed United’s Under-21 Player of the Year his senior international bow in Saturday’s 4-1 win against Curacao at Hampden Park. Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour suffered a heartbreaking injury during the final warm-up game, opening up a spot that Clarke had to fill.
That spot has gone to Fletcher after he left a positive impression in training and after coming on at half-time against Curacao. The teenager could partner with fellow United academy graduate Scott McTominay in this summer’s major tournament.
Man Utd at the 2026 World Cup
Fletcher is the 13th United player confirmed to be heading to this summer’s World Cup. In Scotland’s group, Carlo Ancelotti has named Casemiro and Matheus Cunha in his Brazil squad, while Noussair Mazraoui is travelling with Morocco.
Altay Bayindir is among Turkey’s goalkeepers, and Senne Lammens will battle Thibaut Courtois for the Belgium No. 1 shirt. Marcelo Bielsa has named Manuel Ugarte in his Uruguay squad, while Amad is looking to replicate his impressive Africa Cup of Nations exploits for the Ivory Coast.
Lisandro Martinez will be playing for reigning champions Argentina. Meanwhile, there is no Harry Maguire or Luke Shaw for England, but Kobbie Mainoo is going to his first World Cup. Loanee Marcus Rashford is also in Thomas Tuchel’s ranks.
Like England, Portugal are among the World Cup favourites, and they will have a chance as long as Bruno Fernandes is on the pitch. Diogo Dalot will also play a prominent role.
