United's FIFA World Cup 2022 links: Group G

PLAYERS PAST AND PRESENT...

BRAZIL

When Antony and Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford in the summer, they became the ninth and 10th Brazilians to represent the club, joining Fred and Alex Telles on our books.

Fred has also featured in the United first team this term, alongside our fresh Brazilian faces, while Alex Telles has been enjoying a successful loan at Spanish side Sevilla.

The other Samba stars to have played for the Reds are, in chronological order; Kleberson, Anderson, Rodrigo Possebon, Rafael, Fabio and Andreas Pereira.

SERBIA

Three Serbians have played for United in the past, in the form of Nemanja Vidic, Nemanja Matic and Zoran Tosic.

Vidic won five Premier League titles and a Champions League during his time at the club, while Matic also won the league twice. Tosic played for the club between 2009 and 2010, making five appearances for United.

SWITZERLAND

Swiss full-back Saidy Janko signed for the Reds in 2014, but only played one match for the club during his one-year stay.

CAMEROON

Eric Djemba-Djemba is a player whose name is familiar with United supporters. During his two-year stay at Old Trafford, from 2003 to 2005, Eric played 30 times and helped the Reds to FA Cup success in 2004.

ARE THERE ANY CURRENT REDS IN THIS GROUP?

Alex Telles, Antony, Casemiro and Fred have all been selected as part of the Brazil squad for this winter’s tournament.

ANY OTHER LINKS?

In 1999, we played formerly Yugoslavian side Red Star Belgrade (the current capital of Serbia) in the final of the European Super Cup at Old Trafford, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Brian McClair.

The Reds came up against Brazilian opposition back in 1999, taking on South American giants Palmeiras in the Intercontinental Cup final. Captain Roy Keane scored the winner at the National Stadium in Tokyo, making us the first and only English team to win the competition.

A year later, United travelled to Brazil for the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship. The Reds were eliminated in the group stage, before Corinthians went on to win the tournament.

In addition to these links with the Group G nations, United have also played Swiss sides Basel and Young Boys in the Champions League, and Serbian team Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League previously.

DO UNITED HAVE ANY SUPPORT IN THESE COUNTRIES?

The Reds have supporters’ clubs in both Brazil and Switzerland. Man United Brazil are a group who are enthusiastic about the club and, in particular, the stars of past and present from their country.

In Switzerland, Swiss Devils and Manchester United Supporters’ Club Suisse represent the fans and their love of the football club.

GROUP G: THE FIXTURES

THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Switzerland v Cameroon (10:00 GMT)

Brazil v Serbia (19:00 GMT)

MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER

Cameroon v Serbia (10:00 GMT)

Brazil v Switzerland (16:00 GMT)

FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER

Serbia v Switzerland

Cameroon v Brazil

Kick-off times are 19:00 GMT unless stated.