United View: Amad nets late winner

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, with plenty of United stars featuring for their nations. 

Last week, I tipped Amad to have a strong debut tournament for Côte d’Ivoire, and so far, I have been proved right. 

The tricky winger netted a 90th minute winner for the Elephants as they overcame Ecuador in their group opener, which could prove to be crucial in their quest to reach the knockouts for the first time ever. 

Elsewhere, Matheus Cunha and Noussair Mazraoui locked horns as Brazil played out a 1-1 draw with Morocco, with the latter producing an impressive performance from left-back. 

In the same group, United youngster Tyler Fletcher was an unused sub in Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Caribbean minnows Haiti. 

Despite my suggestion last week that his opportunities may be limited this tournament, Lisandro Martinez played a full 90 minutes for holders Argentina, as they eased to a 3-0 win over Algeria thanks to a hat trick from, you guessed it, Lionel Messi. 

Finally, Manuel Ugarte’s Uruguay were unable to capitalise on Spain’s shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia. 

The midfielder was inches away from his first ever World Cup goal, but saw his long-range effort cannon back out off the post. 

By the time this column is released, four more Reds will have also begun their World Cup campaigns, with Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot hoping to feature in Portugal’s clash with DR Congo; and Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford hoping to do so as England take on Croatia.