Atlanta is preparing to take on the misfits of Manchester United. The 2026 version of the “Damned United” duo.
One is still at the club despite not wanting to, and the other was shown the door at Old Trafford by the manager in 2024, only to suffer the same fate just two months later.
They turned their backs on England in favor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while their rivals used the Three Lions to try to rehabilitate themselves at the highest level.
Welcome to the duel between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford under the Georgian sun. Wan-Bissaka has everything to gain and Rashford has too much to lose in a scrap that will determine the outcome of this match.
The irony of this subplot is fascinating. When Visaka joined United from Crystal Palace in 2019, Rashford had established himself as the club’s marquee player.
Wan-Bissaka’s transfer fee to United was £50 million, making him the sixth most expensive defender in history. He also became the most expensive English player to exceed the Three Lions’ cap.
Ed Woodward, United’s chief executive at the time, revealed the club considered more than 750 right-backs before deciding on Wan-Bissaka. Twelve months ago, Rashford was helping England reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia.
Meanwhile, Wan-Bissaka was due to receive his first senior call-up from Gareth Southgate, but had to withdraw due to a back problem. And despite pledging to contribute to the England squad, this would be the closest he has ever come to earning a full cap.
Wan-Bissakka left Manchester United for West Ham in 2024, switching international allegiance 12 months later
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Mr Southgate’s position was bewilderingly rich, including Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and the upstart Reece James.
In 2024, he lost his place to Diogo Dalot and left United to join West Ham. Almost a year later, Wan-Bissaka’s request to switch international allegiance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo was approved by FIFA.
He is of Congolese descent and was born in England. And it proved to be an inspired choice, one that has now taken him to the finals of the World Cup.
And it’s a head-on clash with his old team-mate Rashford, who is looking to use the World Cup to boost his chances of a move away from United.
Wan-Bissaka and Rashford at Man United
If Wan-Bissaka had been patient with his country of birth, perhaps he might have been alongside Rashford in Atlanta. Because England went from abundance to starvation when it came to right-backs.
Instead, he will be on a mission to keep his old comrades in his pocket while reminding his favorite players of what they may be missing right now.
And if Wan-Bissaka can somehow help the Democratic Republic of Congo knock Thomas Tuchel’s side out of the last 32 of the World Cup, his smugness will be matched by the pain he inflicted on the country that despised him.
The World Cup remains a masterpiece when it comes to creating weird and wonderful stories.
Soccer, right? It’s a fun old game. But who will laugh when the final whistle blows? Wan-Bissaka or Rashford?
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