World Cup 2018: 5 Manchester United players who won't be at the World Cup

The Red Devils had a very on and off season despite looking so deadly at the start of the campaign. Though they finished second behind their noisy neighbours, we expected much much more from a side that has enviable squad depth and immense talent at their disposal.

As the world stares at the players who will be playing in Russia, some of the best talents in United have failed to make it to the grandest stage of them all.

Here's a look at five players who would be watching the game at home and hoping for the pre-season to roll in.

#5 Juan Mata

Mata needs to regain his flair at the earliest

Juan Mata may be one of the nicest men in football but, he is no longer a regular at Manchester United.

He wasn't as influential as you'd have wanted him to be this season. Though he played a crucial role in some of the games, his inability to change the course of the games drastically will be something that would work against his future at the club.

Mourinho would be keen on bringing in someone to add to the already existing firepower and that would seal the fate of his role at the club.

His exclusion from Julen Lopetegui's side can easily be justified and Mata would have a herculean task in hand if he wants to don the national colours again.

#4 Ander Herrera

Herrera is the new Scholesy

After the arrival of Nemanja Matic, none expected Herrera to start for the Red Evils ever again. But like a Spanish Matador, he somehow clawed his way back to remain in contention and has regained Jose Mourinho's trust after a string of fine performances in high profile games.

His style of play resembles that of Scholesy and he also plays with a lot of passion for the game and for the club.

But just like Mata, his exclusion is considerably less of a surprise, having received only two caps for his country till date.

Lopetegui has already roped in an illustrious midfield list of creative talents for the flight to Russia, which includes Iniesta, Busquets, Silva, Isco, Saul, Koke, Thiago and Asensio. Herrera still has a long way to go and needs to work tirelessly to be a regular at the national level.

#3 Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling will feel hard done about not getting picked to go to Russia

Smalling had taken on the mantle of the enforcer at the heart of the Reds’ defence and was even voted as their Player of the Year for 2015/16. He hasn't given his best this season, yet he has been very instrumental at the heart of a Premier League defence which only conceded 28 goals.

He was the best player on the pitch during the FA Cup final against Chelsea where he was exceptional in marking Giroud. He did even better against the England Captain Harry Kane when Spurs and United collided in the FA Cup semi-final.

But Gareth Southgate made it clear that the defender was not in his immediate plans and suggested that he lacked the requisite skills to be part of his squad to Russia.

With Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Marcus Rashford making the cut, Smalling was unfairly overlooked by Southgate, given that Gary Cahill was picked even though he had a terrible season. Given his recent performances, it is hard not to think that Southgate has made a huge blunder in dropping Smalling.

#2 Alexis Sanchez

Sanchez will want to turn things around next season

Alexis Sanchez had been Arsenal's best player in the 2016/17 campaign and his move to Manchester United in the January transfer window ignited huge criticisms and also high expectations in the United camp.

But ever since his move, he has been very dismal and is widely criticized for disrupting the rhythm of United's gameplay. He has scored twice and assisted thrice from 12 appearances and is definitely one of the best players in the United lineup. He needs to regain his beast mode and unleash his fury on the pitch next season.

So, why is a player of Sanchez's stature not going to the World Cup? A simple, yet disappointing answer - Chile failed to qualify for the World Cup. Yes, you read it right.

The defending Copa America Champions will not be vying for the ultimate glory at Russia. It is a shame and Sanchez and co. need to wait for another four years, to showcase their heroics in the grandest stage.

#1 Anthony Martial

The potential is frightening

Martial is one of the most exciting talents in the footballing world.

Does Mourinho approve that? I certainly don't think so.

After the arrival of Sanchez, Martial has gone down the pecking order. Has he really shown his full potential? Definitely not, but with the limited amount of opportunities under Mou, he could never fully display his array of talents.

Mou needs to have some faith in him and give him more opportunities. Selling him would be the biggest mistake of Jose's career and he would definitely regret that forever.

Despite having a limited game time, he found the back of the net nine times this season in the Premier League and also provided six assists. While his United counterpart Rashford made it to the England squad, Didier Deschamps snubbed the French prodigy from his 23 member squad.

As long as Mou is reluctant to entrust him with huge responsibilities, I really don't see Martial having a future at this club.

Have your say on why you think these players, except Sanchez, missed out on their respective national team squads in the comments section below.