Résumé of Reds' first World Cup games

ENGLAND

How did it go? 
An impressive 6-2 thrashing of Iran laid down a marker for Gareth Southgate's side, who got off to a flier despite a game featuring long stoppages and just as much injury time. The Three Lions were coasting, 3-0 up at the interval, and even a dubious penalty scored by Mehdi Taremi in the 13th minute of added-on time at the end failed to take any gloss off an outstanding performance.

What did our boys do?
It was just about perfect from a United perspective, aside from Harry Maguire being withdrawn due to feeling ill. The club skipper had already headed against the woodwork and assisted a goal for Bukayo Saka. Luke Shaw crossed for Jude Bellingham to head the opener while Marcus Rashford is the only Red to score, so far, at the tournament, with his calmly taken effort seconds after coming off the bench.

What's next?
A win tonight (Friday) over USA would seal qualification with a game to spare in Group B. Maguire has been passed fit to play and will win his 50th cap, with England strong favourites to top the standings following the draw between Wales and the Americans.

NETHERLANDS

How did it go? 
The Dutch left it late but got the job done pretty well in the end, with a 2-0 triumph over Senegal. Highly rated youngster Cody Gakpo headed home Frenkie De Jong's pass to break the deadlock before Davy Klaassen's 99th-minute clincher. 

What did our boys do?
Our former boss Louis van Gaal left Tyrell Malacia on the bench for the entire duration of the action, with Daley Blind starting at left wing-back.

What's next?
Netherlands meet Ecuador at 16:00 GMT today with both sides on three points after the opening games. The outcome will obviously go a long way to deciding who tops the table and goes through as winners. Malacia will hope for his first involvement at a World Cup finals.

ARGENTINA

How did it go? 
Terribly, for one of the strong favourites to lift the trophy. Things were looking plain sailing when Lionel Messi converted a first-half penalty but the killer second goal never arrived, despite some close offside calls, and, instead, Saudi Arabia pulled off a jaw-dropping 2-1 victory, with goals by Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari, within the space of five second-half minutes.

What did our boys do?
Lisandro Martinez, as anticipated, was only among the substitutes, despite his outstanding club form. The centre-back did come on, in the 59th minute, but was unable to prevent the South Americans getting off to a shocker of a start.

What's next?
It's all eyes on the Lusail Stadium on Saturday night for a crunch 19:00 GMT encounter with Mexico. Unlikely to be one for the faint hearted, the Mexicans have a point on the board and will relish the chance to upset Lionel Scaloni's men. There is a chance Martinez will be drafted into the line-up and he's one man you'd want on your side for such a no-holds-barred contest.

DENMARK

How did it go? 
Deadlock with Tunisia and a frustrating 0-0 draw for one of the tournament's dark horses. Andreas Cornelius hit a post from about a yard out and referee Cesar Ramos opted not to award the Danes an injury-time penalty after checking a potential handball by Yassine Meriah on the VAR monitor. In the end, a point apiece was probably a fair result, however.

What did our boys do?
Christian Eriksen pulled the strings, as ever, and was a threat with his dead-ball delivery, in particular. The playmaker did drop deeper into midfield, following a tournament-ending injury to Thomas Delaney but did force a fine save out of Aymen Dahme with a long-ranger.

What's next?
It promises to be an exciting affair when Denmark tackle France on Saturday (16:00 GMT kick-off). Although Les Bleus made an eye-catching start, the Danes have a good recent record against them.

TUNISIA

How did it go? 
The goalless stalemate was a decent result for the African nation, who will be pleased to get a point on the board. Issam Jebali had a goal ruled out for offside and then forced an excellent save from Kasper Schmeichel, although he may have strayed behind the last defender again on closer inspection. It was a powerful performance, overall, on the big stage.

What did our boys do?
Hannibal missed out on a place in the XI but came off the bench in the 80th minute. The teenager still had time to put himself about and had to be a little careful with one challenge inside his own box but he certainly has the drive and determination that should prove useful going forward in the tournament.

What's next?
The meeting with Australia (10:00 GMT) kickstarts the World Cup weekend and it's a crucial tie for both nations. It will be interesting to see if Hannibal is promoted to the team but this could present the chance for him to shine and really make a name for himself.

FRANCE

How did it go? 
Australia drew first blood, which wasn't in the script, thanks to a goal by Craig Goodwin but the current holders roared back to win 4-1. Olivier Giroud scored two of them, to match Thierry Henry's record haul for his country, with Adrien Rabiot and Kylian Mbappe also on the scoresheet. Mbappe, in particular, was superb and looking in the mood to enjoy a big tournament.

What did our boys do?
After his injury lay-off and doubts over his participation in Qatar, it was encouraging to at least see Raphael Varane on the bench. Didier Deschamps opted to pair former RB Leipzig partners Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano in defence but you would imagine our centre-back will be itching to feature, if he can prove his fitness.

What's next?
The aforementioned clash with Denmark promises to be a cracker. France will be confident but the Scandinavians won home and away in the UEFA Nations League matches between the countries. The nations played out a 0-0 draw in the 2018 finals but we expect goals this time around.

URUGUAY

How did it go? 
Not the start the proud South Americans wanted - a goalless draw with South Korea. Despite the presence of Luis Suarez and substitute Edinson Cavani in attack, Uruguay looked laboured, although Diego Godin and Federico Valverde did both strike the woodwork. There were no shots registered on target, which summed up a disappointing affair.

What did our boys do?
One big positive was the inclusion of Facundo Pellistri in the XI. The 20-year-old worked hard in a right-sided midfield role and can be pleased with his contribution, only making way for former Red Guillermo Varela with a couple of minutes of normal time to go.

What's next?
The pressure is on ahead of Monday night's showdown with Portugal, which should prove pivotal in Group H. Pellistri will hope he has done enough to retain his spot.

PORTUGAL

How did it go? 
There was drama after a goalless first half with the Ghana game bursting into life. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five World Cup finals when slamming in a penalty he won, only for Andre Ayew to level matters. Five minutes later, Joao Felix coolly restored the lead and Rafael Leao provided some breathing space. It was needed, however, as Osman Bukari pulled it back to 3-2 and only a slip by Inaki Williams cost him a crazy last-gasp equaliser, after robbing an unaware Diogo Costa. 

What did our boys do?
Bruno Fernandes stepped up to the plate and took centre stage in the second half. The creative midfielder supplied assists for the Felix and Leao goals with excellent passes and was an energetic force when it mattered most. Diogo Dalot, rather surprisingly, was left on the bench.

What's next?
Hold onto your hats for the clash with Uruguay with questions still being asked about Portugal's credentials, despite the three points. Dalot, in fine form of late, can surely expect some kind of involvement in what should be a must-see encounter.

BRAZIL

How did it go? 
Most neutrals just love watching Brazil at a World Cup and they did not disappoint, wearing down Serbia to win 2-0. Tottenham's Richarlison grabbed both goals after the break, the second a quite brilliant flying volley, with the only downside being a potential injury problem for key forward Neymar. In truth, it could have been more for the Selecao, who were denied by the woodwork and some fine keeping by former United man Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who was never granted a work permit to play for the Reds.

What did our boys do?
We have four members of the Brazil squad but only Casemiro started. The midfielder again illustrated his world-class ability with a peerless performance. Fred and Antony both got on to contribute to the victory, but Alex Telles was an unused substitute. 

What's next?
After an ideal start, few would bet against the bookmakers' favourites for the trophy when they take on Switzerland on Monday (16:00). The Swiss also won their opener, against Cameroon, but there are lots of options open to coach Tite and, if Neymar is missing, some kind of reshuffle would be required in attack which may open the door for Antony.