Manchester United Nears Third Place Finish and Returns to Champions League

Manchester United are on the brink of securing third place in the Premier League, with it already confirmed they’ll be returning to the Champions League next season.

Under Michael Carrick, The Red Devils have held firm at the top of the table, a very different story from their fight to avoid relegation last season.

However, United aren’t the only ones to be feeling the success of the squad’s return to form, as several stars have now been recalled to their national teams, predominantly with England.

Under Ruben Amorim, Harry Maguire was becoming an influential figure at Old Trafford again, putting in vital displays either end of the pitch, like in their Europa League wins over Lyon in the 2024/25 season.

However it’s only in the last few months that he’s returned to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

Alongside him, Kobbie Mainoo has also returned to the England squad, having been neglected by Amorim, however, now showing why he deserved his new contract and spot in the United starting line-up.

Now, Mike McGrath has reported that Luke Shaw is set to join the England 55-man maximum provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup which is set to be submitted today.

Tuchel then has two weeks to refine his selection to his final pick, with former United striker Danny Welbeck also in the mix after a strong season with Brighton and Hove Albion.

If Shaw does make it into the final squad to head to the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer, it would be his first time in an England shirt since 2024.

England have been drawn in Group L of the upcoming World Cup in North America, set to face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stages.

This will be the first major tournament Thomas Tuchel will be leading The Three Lions to after managing them undefeated through the qualifications.