Manchester United players who have won the World Cup

• Manchester United were guaranteed to welcome back a World Cup winner as France faced Argentina in the finals on Sunday. 
• Eventually, it was Licha, whose name was written in Manchester United’s history book as the fifth player to win the World Cup while playing for the club.
•  In total, Manchester United World Cup winners are twelve. The other eight players won the trophy while playing for other teams.

Manchester United were guaranteed to welcome back a World Cup winner as France faced Argentina in the finals on Sunday. 

It was either Lisandro Martinez of Argentina or France’s Raphael Varane to end a stratospheric year in the best way.

Lisandro Martinez of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup trophy. Photo/ United In Focus.

Eventually, it was Licha, whose name was written in Manchester United’s history book as the fifth player to win the World Cup while playing for the club. He joins Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles, John Connelly and Paul Pogba. 

But it is not just five Manchester United players who have lifted the World Cup. In total, Manchester United World Cup winners are twelve. The other eight players won the World Cup while playing for other teams.

They are Raphael Varane, Ron-Robert Zieler, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Juan Mata, Gerard Pique, Kleberson, Laurent Blanc and Fabian Barthez. 

Let’s discuss the elite group of Manchester United players who won the World Cup while playing for the team. 

1. Sir Bobby Charlton 

Sir Bobby Charlton will always be remembered as one of the best English players of all time. The legendary player is one of the few Manchester United World Cup winners. 

Charlton was part of the England team that won the World Cup team in 1966. England’s road to victory began at the group stage, where they defeated France and Mexico and then secured a draw while facing Uruguay. 

Charlton scored a magnificent goal in the 2-0 win over Mexico at Wembley Stadium.

After securing a 1-0 win over Argentina in the quarter-finals, England faced Portugal. It was Charlton who led the team to the finals as he scored both goals in England’s 2-1 win over Portugal. 

The legendary Manchester United player was unlucky to score in the finals as England defeated West Germany 4-2 to claim the trophy.

Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966. Photo/ Eurosport.

2. John Connelly 

John Connelly was one of the players in England’s squad that lifted the World Cup trophy in 1966. He played in the opening game as the Three Lions drew 0-0 with Uruguay. 

However, the Manchester United star didn’t play in any other game until the end of the tournament as coach Alf Ramsey decided to change his tactics. 

The talented winger never made any appearance for England after the match against Uruguay. 

John Connelly did not receive a medal because he didn’t play in the final. However, he later received a medal at 10 Downing Street as a recognition for his role in the squad that won the World Cup. 

3. Nobby Stiles 

Nobby Stiles, a Manchester United legend, won the World Cup with England in 1966. Unlike John Connelly, who only made one appearance, Nobby Stiles played every single minute at the World Cup that year. 

On the pitch, Nobby played just behind Bobby Charlton. His biggest impact on the pitch was when England faced Portugal in the semis. 

Nobby was tasked with marking Eusebio, who was at that time the best player in Europe. The Manchester United star played his role accordingly as he ensured Eusebio had no chance with the ball. 

His contribution to the tournament earned him a medal as England won the trophy. 

4. Paul Pogba 

Paul Pogba might have left Manchester United as a player not everybody liked, but we can all agree his one of the best of his generation. 

The Frenchman was the first Manchester United player to win the World Cup since Nobby Stiles, John Connelly and Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966. 

Pogba lifted the trophy in 2018 after France defeated Croatia in the finals. He was a key player throughout the tournament, representing Manchester United in the best way possible.

Paul Pogba with the World Cup trophy. Photo/ The Statesman.

5. Lisandro Martinez

Nicknamed ‘The Butcher’, Lisandro Martinez was arguably Manchester United’s best signing last summer. The talented defender has been a wall in the Red Devils’ defence until the World Cup break. 

Lisandro Martinez didn’t play in every game, but he was significant in helping Lionel Messi and Argentina reach the World Cup final and eventually lift the trophy.