Manchester United’s horrendous run of form under Ralf Rangnick at the back end of 2021 and beginning of 2022 all but confirmed that the club’s English players would be omitted from the Three Lions World Cup squad. In short, the turmoil at Old Trafford meant that certain players were unable to reach a level that would have warranted a seat on the plane to Qatar.
As things stand, the World Cup betting, as far as the starting XI goes for England in their opening game against Iran, still suggests that the Manchester United players will struggle to force their way into Southgate’s plans with only a few months left to go before kick-off in the Middle East. The only exception is Harry Maguire who is at odds of -500 to run out for the Three Lions against Iran on matchday one.
There is, however, still time for the rest of the squad to make a last-minute case for their inclusion. In fact, the attackers have already started campaigning for their places in Qatar following the Red Devils’ impressive win over arch-enemies Liverpool at Old Trafford. Indeed, well-taken goals ensured Erik ten Hag could claim his first victory as Old Trafford boss on a memorable night at the Theatre of Dreams.
For the first time in a long while, the finishing from United’s forwards against Jurgen Klopp’s team showed a level of composure that is indicative of a team that will compete at the summit of the Premier League. In particular, Benni McCarthy must take a huge amount of credit for United’s newfound coolness in front of goal. The Red Devils’ recently appointed attacking coach is beginning to leave his mark on the club’s forwards with the English players undoubtedly in line to benefit the most as World Cup selection draws nearer.
The clinical nature that McCarthy was famed for when one-on-one with the goalkeeper during his playing days can now be seen in the United attackers who appear to have clarity of thought once more when in pressurized situations.
🇿🇦 Benni McCarthy sees off Manchester United #OTD in 2004! 🔥🐲#UCL | @FCPorto pic.twitter.com/KqS3o44o4k
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 25, 2021
This is an invaluable asset to have when you consider that players typically only get half a chance in the Premier League and very little time to execute a finish. Essentially, a player’s finishing must come from muscle memory during the rare opportunities when the goal is at their mercy. This mindset is often the difference in close games as United proved when they edged an extremely tight contest against a very good Liverpool side 2-1.
This type of outcome is undoubtedly a feather in McCarthy’s cap and Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes was the latest United player to laud the South African’s coaching techniques.
CONGRATULATIONS to @AmaZuluFootball coach, @bennimccarthy17 – the #DStvPrem Coach of the Month (March/April 2021) pic.twitter.com/OQFg7if6bn
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) May 12, 2021
The 27-year-old would go on to say about McCarthy: “he was quality as a player and is quality as a manager because we do many drills from finishing, headers, many stuff that he was really doing when he was playing and it can help us score some goals.”
Fernandes’ high praise rings true with United’s attackers now, after a long and painful drought, scoring goals again. It may have come just in the nick of time with England’s World Cup squad yet to be decided.