Lisandro Martínez was Manchester United’s outstanding performer at the 2026 World Cup, although his tournament ended with defeat and an injury scare in the final.
Michael Carrick had players competing across several nations, but their experiences varied considerably. Martínez reached the final with Argentina, while Amad produced several exciting moments for Ivory Coast.
Matheus Cunha also enhanced his reputation with Brazil. However, Kobbie Mainoo returned without playing a single minute for England.
Here are the Manchester United World Cup player ratings following Spain’s victory over Argentina in the final.
Martínez and Amad lead Manchester United ratings
Lisandro Martínez: 9/10
Martínez became an important part of Argentina’s defence as the holders reached a second consecutive World Cup final.
His aggression and ability to pass through pressure suited Lionel Scaloni’s side. The centre-back also played a major role in Argentina’s semi-final victory over England.
His tournament ended painfully when he suffered a suspected muscular problem during the defeat by Spain. ReadManUtd has covered the major Martínez injury concern facing Manchester United.
The injury prevents a perfect rating, but Martínez produced the strongest overall tournament among United’s representatives.
Amad: 8/10
Amad offered pace, creativity and confidence whenever Ivory Coast placed him in dangerous areas.
One of his best moments came during the opening stages of the tournament, when his control and finish earned recognition as an ESPN World Cup moment of the day.
His international performances strengthened the argument for a major role under Carrick. Amad returned without a lengthy knockout-stage run, but his individual contribution provided encouragement.
Matheus Cunha: 7/10
Cunha delivered goals and gave Brazil another direct attacking option.
He operated across the forward line and looked comfortable dropping into deeper areas. Brazil’s exit prevented him from building on a productive start, although his performances should give him confidence before returning to Old Trafford.
Noussair Mazraoui: 7/10
Mazraoui remained a reliable figure for Morocco during their run to the quarter-finals.
He covered different defensive positions and offered control in possession. Carrick will hope the full-back returns refreshed after another demanding international tournament.
Fernandes, Rashford and Mainoo leave Carrick with questions
Bruno Fernandes: 6/10
Fernandes produced flashes of his usual creativity, but Portugal did not receive his best form consistently.
The United captain entered the competition after a demanding club season. He now needs a proper break before another campaign involving Champions League football.
Diogo Dalot: 6/10
Dalot offered energy and tactical flexibility without becoming one of Portugal’s defining players.
His performances were generally dependable, but he did not have the attacking influence United supporters have occasionally seen at club level.
Marcus Rashford: 6/10
Rashford scored after coming off the bench against Croatia and later started against Panama.
However, his opportunities became limited as the tournament progressed. The Guardian’s final England player ratings noted that he did not appear again until the closing stages of the semi-final defeat.
His United future remains uncertain, so the tournament may have been his final opportunity to impress while still under contract at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo: Not rated
Mainoo was the most frustrated United representative after failing to make an appearance for England.
Thomas Tuchel selected several midfielders ahead of the 21-year-old, even when England rotated for the third-place play-off. ReadManUtd reported how Martínez consoled Mainoo following England’s semi-final exit.
The lack of minutes should leave Mainoo determined to prove himself during the new season. He rebuilt his United career under Carrick and will expect more responsibility at club level.
Carrick faces one major concern after World Cup
Martínez’s fitness is the clearest concern for United.
The defender was expected to receive a post-tournament break before joining pre-season. Any muscular injury could delay his return further and leave Carrick short of his preferred left-sided centre-back.
Amad and Cunha should return with greater confidence, while Mainoo will have additional motivation after his difficult experience with England.
Fernandes and Dalot require careful workload management following long seasons. United need their senior Portugal internationals fully prepared rather than rushed back into summer friendlies.
The tournament delivered more positives than negatives for Carrick, but Martínez’s medical assessment could shape United’s defensive plans before the Premier League campaign begins.
