At club level, Arsenal’s players have been a cut above any of their Premier League rivals so far this season.
Under the astute management of Mikel Arteta, the Gunners went into the mid-season break top of the table, five points ahead of their nearest competitors Manchester City. But that domestic superiority hasn’t exactly translated into a World Cup littered with Arsenal players starring.
In contrast, Manchester United, who are 11 points off the top and in a period of transition, have a whole host of stars playing key roles. As the tournament pauses before the last eight gets underway, Mirror Football takes a look at the differing fortunes of the players from the two Premier League foes.
Arsenal (10 players selected, 3 remain)
Bukayo Saka has unquestionably been the Arsenal success story out in Qatar. The reigning England Player of the Year arrived in the Gulf with a point to prove after his Euro 2020 penalty heartbreak and he’s done just that.
His tournament got off to the dream start vs Iran netting twice, before scoring his third in the knockout win over Senegal. No surprise he has drawn flattering comparisons with Kylian Mbappe.
Also in Gareth Southgate’s squad, Aaron Ramsdale has just had a watching brief. Jordan Pickford retained his starting berth and looks set to keep it for the rest of this tournament at least. But Ramsdale is waiting in the wings, safe in the knowledge that the debate over his place won’t end when the World Cup concludes.
England take on France in Saturday’s quarter final, but William Saliba won’t be expecting too much gametime. He has thus far played just 27 minutes, with his Arsenal breakthrough coming too late to make an impact this time around.
Gabriel Martinelli is the other Gunner still competing but has only been given limited opportunities. He failed to deliver in his only start, but could have further chances due to the serious knee injury suffered by compatriot and club colleague Gabriel Jesus.
The former Manchester City star is set for an extended period on the sidelines, having been injured during the group stage. Ben White was another to leave Qatar prematurely, departing from England’s camp for personal reasons.
Thomas Partey played every minute of every Ghana match, but the Black Stars failed to get out of their group. Meanwhile, Matt Turner earned a clean sheet vs England, but his USA side were on the losing side to Netherlands in the round of 16.
The first knockout round was also the final stage for Granit Xhaka, who was helpless as Switzerland were thrashed 6-1 by Portugal. Takehiro Tomiyasu was also dumped out at the same stage, with Japan’s penalty defeat to Croatia the only game in which he started.
That defeat left Tomiyasu in tears and concerningly, the versatile defender suggested that a return to club football may not be at the top of his agenda, warning he will need a break before he rejoins Arteta’s squad.
Manchester United (15 selected, 11 remain)
As everyone predicted, this tournament has been all about United’s star striker taking his club form into the World Cup and competing for the Golden Boot. Marcus Rashford needed two touches for his first England goal, before netting a stunning free-kick as one of two goals in a brace vs Wales. He was unfortunate to drop to the bench against Senegal and will hope to play a part in the final stages.
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire’s selection both came with the caveat that their experience in an England shirt would supersede their shaky United form. And so it has proved.
Maguire has looked every bit the defender that has been a mainstay in the national side for the last four years, while Shaw looks like the player that enjoyed such a brilliant Euros. Should their form continue it will give Erik ten Hag some welcome selection dilemmas, when the Premier League returns later this month.
Shaw and Maguire’s main competition at Old Trafford, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez have both found minutes hard to come by, with the former yet to appear for the Netherlands, while Martinez has just 40 minutes from four games for Argentina.
Raphael Varane’s World Cup hopes appeared to be in the balance after suffering an injury vs Chelsea, but the Frenchman has started the last three games. Ten Hag will keep his fingers crossed that he can return to Manchester at full fitness.
Remarkably, United players made up 15 per cent of a Brazil squad which remains one of the favourites to win the World Cup. Fred and Casemiro are both options for Tite in midfield and will continue to be involved as their bid continues. Antony though has been limited to just one appearance and was an unused sub in the last-16 win over South Korea.
Alex Telles was the other player included in the Selecao squad, but has since been ruled out with an injury. His presence is still being felt however, with Neymar making a beeline for the defender - currently with Sevilla on loan - when celebrating his latest goal.
There was always going to be plenty of Manchester United attention on Portugal. And like everyone predicted it’s Diogo Dalot who continues to catch the eye. Once little more than an afterthought for club and country, Dalot continues to show the rapid progression fans have been treated to all season. Fernando Santos made headlines when he dropped one of Portugal’s best and most well-known players vs Switzerland. It paid off though as Dalot - the replacement for Joao Cancelo - put in a great performance.
One thing United knew they would have in the Portugal squad was a forward player capable of inspiring his squad and scoring vital goals in the process. Bruno Fernandes has certainly done that with two goals and three assists.
Facundo Pellistri and Hannibal were two youngsters included in their respective national squads, only for Uruguay and Tunisia to both bow out after the group stage. But while Hannibal - currently with Birmingham City - played for just 10 minutes, Pellistri’s burgeoning reputation in his homeland continued to thrive, it’s his club future which is becoming increasingly uncertain.
Christian Eriksen just being involved for Denmark was enough to bring a smile to even the most dour fan. Unfortunately for the Danes, that was where the smiles ended. Having rode the crest of a wave to reach the semis at the Euros, they were tipped as dark horses this time around.
However, in a group which included relative minnows Australia and Tunisia, they managed just one point and finished bottom of their pool.
