All four Brazilians on Manchester United’s first-team books are set to feature in this month’s Qatar World Cup.
Casemiro is the only one who has participated in a finals before, having played every group game at Russia 2018 prior his country succumbing to Belgium in the Last 16. But for the others, it will be their debut tournament.
Fellow summer signing Antony only made his senior international debut in August 2021 but a year and a £85m transfer later, the winger is set for the big time. Meanwhile, Fred has been in the national side a little while longer but this too will be his first World Cup.
READ MORE: Brazil team doctor issues injury update on Manchester United forward Antony
The final Brazilian due for his world stage bow isn’t currently at United this season. Alex Telles must have thought his ticket to Qatar was in jeopardy after pre-season.
Erik ten Hag made clear he wasn’t in his top two left-backs after the arrival of Tyrell Malacia. The Dutchman played the full-back at centre-half and looked very out of sorts.
After finding favour under Ralf Rangnick last season, Telles could see his place on Brazil’s plane was at risk so forced through a season-long loan to Sevilla in a bid to save it. The 29-year-old hasn’t had a smooth ride in Spain so far.
Esteemed but cash-troubled Sevilla are in a relegation battle having gained only 11 points from their first 13 matches. He’s also seen the manager who brought him in on loan be sacked.
Despite a change of bosses, Telles has still enjoyed regular game time, fortunately. He’s played 18 times in all, missing just one game, and has been played at both left-back and left-wing. No more centre-half duty, luckily.
And now, Tite’s announcement that Telles is included in his Brazil World Cup squad means his summer gamble has paid off. He didn’t hide the fact that he pushed for a loan exit in the summer in order to salvage a place at Qatar.
When asked by TNT Sports earlier this season whether his move was to do with his World Cup hopes, he replied: “Obviously. If I say no, I’ll be lying. I really believe in preparation.
“I know I’m on the radar, I know I was called for the last call-ups. So obviously having more and more minutes, playing as much as possible.
“I know it depends a lot on what I do at my club for me to be willing and always at a high level, so if I get called up for the national team, to be prepared.”
Telles’ inclusion raised a few eyebrows, as did the inclusion of 39-year-old Dani Alves and the omissions of Arsenal defender Gabriel and Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino. But in truth, his selection had been coming.
After a lengthy exile from the national team, he revived his international career this calendar year. He obviously impressed in his four comeback caps and now is in line for minutes on the biggest stage of all.
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