Manchester United News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Credit: Gualter Fatia/Paris Saint-Germain's Edison Cavani celebrates with team-mates after he scored against Girondins de Bordeaux (REUTERS) via Getty Images

Nine ex-Manchester United players set to feature in FIFA Club World Cup

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 11:34 AM ET

The 2025 Club World Cup is set to kick off this weekend in the United States—and while Manchester United won’t be taking part, several familiar faces will be on show.

The expanded competition gets underway in the early hours of Sunday (UK time), with clubs from across the globe competing for the first title in the tournament’s new 32-team format.

Manchester United haven’t qualified for the event—no great surprise given recent struggles—but there will be a strong connection to Old Trafford in the squads taking part. Nine former United players are expected to feature for their clubs over the coming month.

Among the absentees is Cristiano Ronaldo, whose search for a club ahead of the tournament came up short, despite brief links to Botafogo.

Here’s a rundown of the nine ex-United players set to take part in the Club World Cup.

Alex Telles – Botafogo

Telles, who joined Botafogo from Al Nassr last year, will play a key role for the Brazilian side. The former United left-back has become a regular presence and brings experience to the 2024 Copa Libertadores winners.

Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

He made 50 appearances for United, registering eight assists and scoring once—a memorable volley versus Villarreal in the Champions League.

Edinson Cavani – Boca Juniors

The former United striker leads the line for Boca Juniors, where he’s become an important figure. Cavani’s time at Old Trafford included 19 goals and seven assists in 59 appearances—including some truly memorable moments under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Marcos Rojo – Boca Juniors

Rojo played 122 times for United and has established himself as a veteran leader at Boca Juniors since returning to Argentina. He’ll be looked upon for guidance during the tournament.

Ander Herrera – Boca Juniors

Herrera, who joined Boca in January, has already made his mark. The midfielder is still admired for his passion and work ethic—qualities that endeared him to United fans and have made him a quick fan favourite in Argentina.

Sergio Romero – Boca Juniors

Romero served as a reliable backup during his United days and will start in goal for Boca during the Club World Cup. His experience could be crucial in tight moments.

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

Matteo Darmian — Inter Milan

Despite being 35, Darmian remains a key figure for Inter Milan and played 45 games during their near double-winning 2024/25 season. He’ll be hoping to help the Italian side bounce back from their Champions League final heartbreak.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan — Inter Milan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan continues to be a creative force for Inter, playing a major role despite his age. The Armenian’s vision and passing ability could be pivotal in their Club World Cup run.

Alvaro Fernandez — Benfica

Still only 21, Fernandez left United just last summer and has quickly made his mark at Benfica. With a move to Real Madrid reportedly close, the Spanish full-back will use the tournament as a final showcase for his talents before sealing his expected switch.

Guillermo Varela — Flamengo

Varela, who featured briefly for United during the 2015–16 season under Louis van Gaal, is now with Flamengo and has developed into a solid right-back. This tournament provides a big stage for him to show how far he’s come since his early days in Manchester.

While United fans won’t have a club to support this summer, there’ll be plenty of reasons to tune in and catch up with some familiar faces chasing the trophy across the U.S.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: