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Six Breakout Stars Man Utd Should Target From The World Cup

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With Manchester United returning to Champions League football in the 2026/27 season, the need for calculated recruitment this summer will be paramount to their chances of building on their considerable progress next season.

Michael Carrick is now officially at the helm following his exploits in helping to turn the club around and finish in the top four. However, that brings fresh challenges, more responsibility and a heavier fixture schedule that will require more quality and more depth across their squad. Smart additions last season in attack were key to their resurgence, but Carrick needs to focus on key areas in the transfer window. One of those is in midfield, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively to help soften the blow of the departing Casemiro.

Fortunately, the World Cup, other than being the most-watched and arguably most entertaining sporting event in the world, is doubling as something of a transfer showroom and breakout stars from the competition could well be options worth exploring.

Therefore, GIVEMESPORT has identified five breakout stars from the World Cup that United could sign this summer.

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Ayyoub Bouaddi in action for Lille vs PSG

The adage is that it isn’t wise to sign players off the back of World Cup performances, but this kid will surely dispel the myth. Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, stunned fans with his brilliant showing against Brazil in their opening game, ensuring Casemiro was hooked at half-time and left Bruno Guimarães wondering what had just happened.

Oozing technical quality, the Lille midfielder has already been making waves in France. On his 17th birthday, he was starting against Real Madrid in the Champions League — and thriving. Given United need depth in that deeper midfield role, he would serve as an excellent addition.

Predictably, they wouldn’t be the only ones interested. Reports have revealed that Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are all huge admirers. For United to secure this, they would need to move quickly and hope the pull of The Theater of Dreams would be enough to entice the starlet.

Felix Nmecha

felix nmecha dortmund borussia via Reuters

Hardly a well-kept secret to regular viewers of the Bundesliga, Felix Nmecha is fast becoming a wanted man – as seen with Liverpool’s recent links. Having anchored Borussia Dortmund‘s midfield brilliantly across the past 12 to 18 months, he has since become a key figure for Julian Naglesmann‘s national team.

At 25, he’s finally begun to realise his true potential. His profile is remarkable; at six-foot-one, he stands tall, is physically imposing, strong, blessed with pace, but he combines it all with a brilliant technical foundation.

Take his line-breaking assist for Deniz Undav to score the winner in the group game against the Ivory Coast as a prime example of that. Or his screamer against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League last season — he has it all and would help upgrade United’s midfield.

Joel Ordóñez

Joel Ordonez

If there’s one country that is currently producing quality defenders right now, it’s Ecuador, and Joel Ordóñez is the latest to catch the eye. The Club Brugge defender has quietly been building a fantastic reputation in Belgium and the two-time league champion is a key part of the South American side’s rugged and powerful backline.

Only 22, he is physically impressive, powerful and a smart centre-back who seems to be improving with each passing game. Take his outing in the 2-1 win over Germany as the perfect case in point. He excels in the air and in one-on-one situations and Premier League fans are clamouring for him to join their respective clubs.

Given he plays for Brugge, he may well be one of the better value-for-money deals in the transfer market this summer. The emergence of Ayden Heaven is a positive for Carrick, but Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro have both had consistent injury issues and Harry Maguire is 33, meaning that Ordóñez would stand as a highly compelling option.

Pedro Vite

Jamal Musiala is tackled by Pedro Vite IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto

Pedro Vite, a lesser known name, plays outside of Europe’s top five leagues. In fact, it may well be outside the top 10 leagues in the world as he features for Pumas UNAM, in Mexico‘s top division, Liga MX.

However, he was instrumental in Ecuador’s comeback victory over Germany. Partnered alongside Moises Caicedo, the 24-year-old was the enforcer and managed nine tackles, nine ball recoveries but also 16 passes into the final third and one assist. Whatever he does, he does with great intent.

Given he came through the famed Independiente del Valle system – as did Caicedo, Ordóñez, Piero Hincapie, and William Pacho – he looks set to be the ‘next one’ to make it in Europe. If United took the opportunity, they would be cashing in at a low price with the possibility of an extraordinary return on results in the future.

Maxi Araujo

Maxi Araujo

Despite Luke Shaw enjoying his most active United campaign for years, there are still question marks surrounding his long-term fitness and the consistent quality of Noussair Mazraoui at left-back, the marauding Maxi Araujo stands as a tantalising option.

The Uruguayan, who has impressed for Sporting Lisbon, is an aggressive and powerful runner who loves to get forward. Under Marcelo Bielsa, he has caught the eye in an otherwise faltering side. Managing two goals and an assist in his first two games, he was also awarded the Player of the Match award against Cape Verde.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

With Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea likely to recruit a left-back, United could look to join the race – they were linked earlier this year – as that position remains one of doubt heading into next season. Other options who aren’t at the World Cup could also work, such as Newcastle United‘s Lewis Hall, but Araujo is proving to be a tenacious and interesting option.

Antonio Nusa

Antonio Nusa in action for RB Leipzig

United’s current wide options on the left are lacking and not many would describe Matheus Cunha’s best position as being off the left flank – despite his ability to play across the frontline. Could Norway’s electric Antonio Nusa be the answer?

Dubbed the ‘Norwegian Neymar’, the 21-year-old is blessed with rapid feet and ranks among the Bundesliga’s best dribblers. Given Bryan Mbeumo is more of a finisher on the other flank, he could offer a completely different threat, especially given he averaged over four times as many dribbles per 90 last season.

His performances for Norway and RB Leipzig have caught the eye, and he almost joined Brentford in 2024, only failing to complete a deal due to a failed medical. Newcastle United are said to be looking at him as a potential Anthony Gordon replacement, but Carrick’s side could certainly benefit from his addition.

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Mark Henry Names Kurt Angle as Toughest WWE Superstar He Wrestled

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Across his 22-year in-ring career, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry shared the ring with a wide variety of Superstars.

Known as The World’s Strongest Man, Henry is considered to be one of the most powerful men ever to grace the squared circle.

The Silsby, Texas native enjoyed plenty of success in WWE, winning the World Heavyweight Championship twice, in addition to being both a European Champion and the ECW Champion.

Mark Henry Wrestled Many WWE Legends

Mark Henry

Henry worked with a wide variety of Superstars during his active career. From icons such as John Cena and The Undertaker to young prospects taking their first steps on the main roster, the 55-year-old has personal experience with them all.

Mark recently sat down with GIVEMESPORT, in association with Casino.org, to speak about his legendary career. While there was one Superstar he couldn’t stand, Henry typically got along with the majority of the locker rooms he was a part of.

Asked to recall the toughest Superstars he had ever been in the ring with, Henry had no hesitation in naming the man who belonged at the top of his list.

Mark Henry’s 3 Toughest WWE Superstars

Mark Henry

However, he also gave credit to two Superstars that he shared the SmackDown locker room with between 2005 and 2007.

“Bobby Lashley and Chris Benoit would make the list. There’s been some really tough opponents. Some of these guys were formidable.”

Lashley certainly fits that description, given his extensive amateur wrestling background, together with a 15-2 record in MMA.

Bobby Lashley
 Bobby Lashley as the WWE Champion

One Superstar, though, stood out for Mark above the rest:

“Kurt Angle is one of the toughest Superstars that I’ve shared the ring with. You can put him right there at the top of the list.”

Famously the winner of a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1996 Olympics, Angle made the transition to professional wrestling and WWE just two years after his triumph in Atlanta.

Despite being new to the industry, Angle was a natural in his new role and would win the WWE Championship less than a year after his debut.

He and Henry shared the ring in a number of high-profile matches, including two pay-per-view matches in 2006. Angle defeated Henry to retain the World Heavyweight Championship at that year’s Royal Rumble, before Mark got his revenge via count out at Judgment Day 2006.

Henry’s views on Angle’s toughness are no surprise, given that the Olympic Hero has been ranked among the legitimately toughest Superstars in WWE history.

Kurt officially retired from the ring after losing to Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35, calling time on his own Hall of Fame career.

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Lionel Messi Slammed For Trying to Get Marc Cucurella Sent Off NN:

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Argentina have certainly played to the edge of the rules during the World Cup, with many accusations from fans of unsportsmanlike conduct in multiple games during their run to the final. Lionel Scaloni’s have been branded as the villains throughout the tournament for their physical, foul-heavy approach against their opponents.

Fans have persistently complained about the Argentine’s time-wasting, provoking of their opponents and constant hounding of the referee, and that behaviour has followed through to the final, with Lionel Messi involved in the incident which caught many fans’ eyes during Spain’s World Cup final win.

Messi’s Incident With Cucurella

Marc Cucurella (Spain) Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

With Argentina going down to ten men following the dismissal of Enzo Fernandez, Messi became involved in a confrontation with Marc Cucurella. Messi turned to the referee demanding that the Spanish left-back should be sent off for covering his mouth, an action that is now considered a red card offence following the introduction of a new rule by FIFA, especially for the tournament.

However, referee Slavko Vincic was unmoved by Messi’s complaint, and no red card was shown to Cucurella as play continued. It’s a rule that has been used but also disregarded during the tournament, with Miguel Almiron sent off earlier in the tournament for covering his mouth whilst Harry Kane avoided punishment for doing the same during England’s game against Argentina.

The incident immediately caught the eye of fans, with many left angered by Messi’s conduct.

Fan Reaction to the Messi Incident

Lionel Messi REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Unsurprisingly, the incident infuriated many fans, who took to social media to complain about Argentina’s behaviour, not for the first time during the tournament.

One fan said: “Messi is a disgrace for trying to get Cucurella sent off”.

Most fans were in agreement, with another saying: “Messi trying to get Marc Cucurella off for covering his mouth tells you everything about his career. The Mr Nice guy mask always comes off when he’s under pressure; he’s a fraud.”

A third posted: “Messi is such a Cheat…I don’t know how he managed to deceive the World that he was the Good guy between the two.” One more said: “Messi tried to send Cucurella off for this. He didn’t even cover his mouth like that. Im told to believe Messi is humble, okay man.”

While another summed up the mood, saying: “The thing with Messi’s little guy is shameful Cucurella approaches him to say something friendly and asks the referee to send him off for saying it with his hand over his mouth.”

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Donald Trump Accused of ‘Ignoring’ Gianni Infantino

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The winner of the 2026 World Cup has now been decided, with Spain beating Argentina 1-0 in the final. US President Donald Trump was on hand for the celebrations, but an awkward moment with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has quickly gone viral.

Truth be told, it wasn’t the most memorable game and could even rank among the dullest of the entire tournament. The biggest talking point didn’t come until the 93rd minute when Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card.

The game then went to extra time, but try as they might, 10-man Argentina could not cling on for penalties. Ferran Torres stepped up with a fine finish to lash home the winner and seal Spain’s second-ever World Cup triumph.

US President Trump Causes Stir During World Cup Final Celebrations

US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino via REUTERS/Lee Smith

After the game, as expected, US President Trump was seen amongst the celebrations. After handing out the winners’ and losers’ medals – at which point he was snubbed by Argentine defender Cristian Romero – he then made his way to the podium as Spain were finally given the chance to lift the World Cup trophy.

As Rodri took the golden prize in his hands, Trump shamelessly positioned himself at the end of the Spanish group. At this point, FIFA president Infantino was seen quickly hurrying across the stage to move Trump out of the way.

He put a hand on the 80-year-old’s arm but was essentially ignored as Trump remained in sight as Spain captain Rodri lifted the World Cup. Infantino appeared to sheepishly back away a bit, and the two eventually edged further away as the celebrations continued.

Fans Not Happy With ‘Weird’ Trump Behaviour

Multiple clips of the incident have gone viral online, with fans clearly not impressed. One said: “Not Trump ignoring Infantino trying to get him to leave the scene for Spain’s trophy lift. That’s what you get for selling yourself, you corrupt clown.”

Another added:

“Infantino trying to usher Trump off stage for the trophy lift and he’s ignoring him.”

A third noted: “Infantino was literally telling Trump to move out of the way. He wanted to stand there and take photos.” While a fourth said: “Didn’t want to leave the stage where the Spanish team was celebrating despite Infantino trying to lead Trump off several times.”

Somebody added: “He did something similar during the World Club Cup too. Trump just like to be in the limelight. Wants to share headlines, not one to stay in the background. He was really looking out of place there, creating a weird scene.”

A final fan spoke for many as they wrote: “Trump knows exactly what he’s doing here.”

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