USMNT clinch Group D, Man United target star for Carrick rebuild

Top spot locked, Turkiye on Thursday

Your team goes into the final Group D match with nothing to lose. The USMNT have already clinched first place, and Turkiye are already eliminated (1). That gives Mauricio Pochettino a free hand to rotate on Thursday. Who rests and who gets a first World Cup start is the only real question.

Christian Pulisic missed the Australia win with a calf issue but has resumed training. Alex Zendejas is still waiting for his tournament debut.

The knockouts are set. These are good problems to have.

Manchester United circling a USMNT name

Manchester United want one of your players as part of what is being called a "smart rebuild" under Michael Carrick (2). No name in the report yet, but the link is concrete enough to print. United have scouted the USMNT throughout this tournament, and the timing, with the World Cup shining a light on the squad, is no accident.

The club's interest will firm up after the tournament.

Fan reactions

The "Country Roads" tradition after the Australia win has stuck and is already being planned for Thursday in what should feel like a party atmosphere before the knockouts. The bigger talking point among supporters right now is Pochettino's lineup: some want a full rotation to protect key players, others want rhythm maintained. The United transfer rumor has added a layer of intrigue, with fans already debating which player fits the profile.

Read the full discussion on r/ussoccer