The 2026 World Cup is here and predictions made by former players, managers and supporters across the globe will now be put to the test. Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has put his firm backing behind one nation this summer.

World football’s biggest competition has expanded for the 2026 edition, meaning a record 48 countries will be battling to get their hands on the iconic trophy. Among the favourites are Thomas Tuchel’s England and Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, Ferguson doesn’t believe the country he managed in for 27 years or his greatest-ever player will lift the World Cup this year. If they do, he believes they’ll have to get past his formidable favourites.

Sir Alex Doubts Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Chances

Rodrigo Antunes via Reuters

Fergie brought a young Ronaldo to Old Trafford in 2003 from Sporting CP and oversaw his rise to winning the Ballon d’Or and becoming the best player on the planet. But he doesn’t think his ex-player will get his wish this summer.

When asked about Ronaldo’s chances of finally getting over the line in his record sixth World Cup, the iconic Scot claimed there’s only one team to beat. Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil. He told Press Box PR in late 2025 (per TNT Sports):

“I think whoever beats Brazil will win the World Cup,” was Ferguson’s emphatic verdict. Ancelotti would have to do something no manager has ever done in World Cup history. Each nation to have lifted the trophy has done so with a manager born in that country in charge.

The Italian is among the most successful club managers and even beat Ferguson to the Premier League title with Chelsea in the 2009-10 season. So if Portugal or England are to go all the way this year, they’ll have to go through the South Americans in Ferguson’s eyes.

Roy Keane Disagrees With Fergie… Again

Ferguson and his former captain Roy Keane are known to not see eye-to-eye on many things these days. That’s exactly the case when it comes to their respective World Cup predictions.

Instead of Brazil, Keane is backing France, Spain and Argentina as the front-runners to win the competition. Over in the United States as an ITV pundit, the Irishman predicted:

“The French, that squad’s fantastic. Spanish, with the conditions over there, the way they look after the ball and how brilliant they were at the Euros, if they can back that up, which I’m sure they can.

“I’m going to throw Argentina in there as well. Obviously, one of the South Americans will always turn up.”

Manchester United have been given the green light to sign a new defender after reports emerged that they would be willing to accept an offer in the region of £43m.

It’s no secret that United are pushing to bring in midfield reinforcements during the summer transfer window, but they could also look to strengthen in other positions.

The signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson is all but secured, and it appears that they are hoping to bring in at least one more midfielder.

Focus could also be on full-backs and wingers, with a number of names being linked with the move to Old Trafford.

It’s unclear what the priority position to strengthen will be after signing another midfielder, but there is no doubt they need reinforcements after qualifying for the Champions League.

Man Utd Get Left-Back Green Light

According to a report from Team Talk, Barcelona will now accept a bid of around £43 million to allow Alejandro Balde to leave in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United are named as one of the sides who are showing an interest in the Spanish left-back, while they are also interested in Newcastle defender Lewis Hall.

The report claims that Balde, praised as ‘one of the best full-backs in Europe’, will cost £17m less than Hall, so it could be a more cost-effective option for the Red Devils.

It appears that signing a left-back could be one of United’s priorities in the coming weeks and months. The door has now been opened for them to bring Balde to Old Trafford.

It remains to be seen whether he’d be keen on a move to the Premier League or United specifically, while Hall is another potential option. #

Balde Could be Ideal Left-Back Signing

As it stands, United have Luke Shaw as their primary left-back, and he appears to have overcome his injury troubles after starting every single Premier League game last season.

If they are to bring in a new left back, they should be looking to sign a younger profile such as Balde or Hall.

Balde, described as ‘spectacular’, could be the smarter option, considering he costs £17 million less. Although there is the caveat that he doesn’t have Premier League experience.

Despite that, the Barcelona star could be the ideal left-back signing for United. Someone capable of making an impact right now but also a player for the future.

Xabi Alonso will have a say in the business Chelsea do in the summer transfer window and he is likely to want to make some big changes to the squad he inherited.

The Blues finished tenth in the Premier League this season, outside of any European competition for the 2026/27 campaign, meaning Alonso only has domestic competitions to concern himself with.

The Spaniard was named permanent boss at Stamford Bridge soon after the season ended, with the clear indication that he was going to have a say in matters off the field by being given the title of manager rather than head coach, in recognition of his experience and proven track record.

Alonso should bring in a former Liverpool player

Chelsea are yet to dip their toe into the transfer market yet this summer, although the window does not officially open until Monday, but Alonso is likely to make a number of changes.

And one former Chelsea legend has told him who his first signing should be and it may come as a surprise.

In a blog for Betway, Marcel Desailly said: “A player who could suit the profile is former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. If you give him the confidence and belief, he will not feel shy because the people in the system are a higher grade than him. That is what happened to him at Liverpool. There were too many players higher grade than him, so he couldn’t express himself. At Chelsea, I’m sure he would express himself and perform.

“They need a striker but I’m not sure exactly who it will be or where they will get him. Unless they find one in Germany who we don’t know much about yet, but they have to match the profile of what Chelsea is looking for.”

Nunez spent three years at Anfield, scoring 25 goals in 95 appearances for the Reds and was often derided for his work in front of goal.

He spent the last season in the Saudi Pro League playing for Al-Hilal, following a £46.3million move from Liverpool but just a year later, his contract has been ripped up and he is a free agent.

Guillem Balague is a big fan of Nunez

via Reuters

Liverpool have been linked with bringing the Uruguayan back to the Premier League, given the long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike, and on a free transfer there is almost no gamble on signing the 26-year-old, apart from wages.

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague was effusive in his praise of Nunez while at Liverpool.

He said: “People focused on his supposed lack of quality in finishing and movement, not realising that every time he makes a mistake he just keeps going. His mentality is ignored.

“He’s becoming a world-class player.”