It is a question for all Manchester United fans - which Red do you feel will have the biggest impact at the 2018 World Cup finals?
Fred's imminent arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk means there will be 12 United men competing in Russia, as things stand currently, and each has earned the right to perform on the biggest stage.
United's representatives at the World Cup:
David De Gea (Spain)
Marouane Fellaini (Belgium)
Fred (Brazil)
Phil Jones (England)
Nemanja Matic (Serbia)
Paul Pogba (France)
Victor Lindelof (Sweden)
Jesse Lingard (England)
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
Marcus Rashford (England)
Marcos Rojo (Argentina)
Ashley Young (England)
We decided to ask three bona-fide United legends - Andy Cole, Denis Irwin and Bryan Robson - for their thoughts on the matter.
Andy Cole: “I'm probably going to say, as a lot is expected of him and France, Paul Pogba. Yeah, a lot has been mentioned about him this season and we see that at Manchester United. When he plays for France, he plays in a different way and I'm going to opt for him. France are expected to perform well at the World Cup and, if they do well, he could too. It's a young team, a progressive team that plays good football, with a lot of energy and pace. They are gelling as they came through the youth levels together and the camaraderie seems really good. In previous years, it's all gone off before the tournament or during the competition but this team seems a lot more together. So I'm opting for France and Pogba.”
Denis Irwin:
“That’s an important question. Belgium were disappointing at the last Euros and, even though they are in England’s group, a lot is expected of them at this World Cup. So obviously, on the back of that, Romelu Lukaku could have a big bearing on it. They’ve still got to prove themselves a little bit in my eyes. They fell short two years ago but, if they are going to do anything, Romelu will be key. Brazil will be favourites, along with Germany, who will be there or thereabouts. And Spain – with David De Gea having a big say. Spain as well. If Belgium can bustle into that top four, into the semi-finals, they will need to score goals and Lukaku will be the main striker for them. I’m going to say Romelu.”
Bryan Robson:
“I am hoping it can be Marcus Rashford, for obvious reasons. I think, with his pace and everything else, if Marcus gets a chance, he could have a really good World Cup. He should be right at the peak of his fitness because, although he played quite a lot of games, he has been on the bench a bit. So he should be nice and fresh. Marcus could have a big influence for England, if he's selected. We all know Harry Kane is going to play centre-forward, it's how Gareth Southgate uses the rest of the squad and which formation he is going to play. I just feel if Raheem Sterling is to the right of Kane and Marcus is to the left, he could be really dangerous in that sort of area. One we know who has had an influence on a big competition before is Paul Pogba, as well. He seems to bring the best out of himself in these big games and I feel he could be a major influence for France.”
GET INVOLVED
So what's your answer to this question?
Take part in our poll as part of our World Cup warm-up coverage to have your say on which Red you think will have the biggest impact in Russia.
You can also get in touch via our social media channels to let us know your thoughts.
YOU HAVE HAD YOUR SAY
We asked you on social media which Red will make the biggest impact in Russia. Here are some of our favourite responses...
David De Gea, no doubt about that 💯
— August (@Pachenkoo__) June 7, 2018
Please be @MarcusRashford or @JesseLingard The 3 Lions are due to shine once in my lifetime.
— Trey Conway (@Stidham333) June 7, 2018
Jesse Lingard is going to take #Russia2018 by storm. You have been warned!
— Hall of Famer (@chivereAT) June 7, 2018
Paul Pogba to shine
— BrianMatongo@22 (@brian7matongo) June 7, 2018
Romelu Lukaku
— Abdullah Al-Maawali (@abdullahsalim60) June 7, 2018
