Sunday's final between Argentina and France was both a positive and negative outcome for Manchester United.
On the one hand, Lisandro Martinez won the World Cup at the age of 24, an incredible experience and achievement for the centre-back despite not featuring in the semi-final or final. However, on the flip side, it was despair for Raphael Varane and his French teammates who were within touching distance of retaining their trophy.
Martinez and Varane have both been critical to the improved defensive stability we have seen from United since the arrival of Erik ten Hag in the summer. Their partnership has been applauded by many and has left the captain of the club having to settle for a place on the bench.
ALSO READ: Martinez wins the World Cup with Argentina
However, for Ten Hag his managerial powers will be put to the test once the defensive duo return to Carrington. Having to manage both men considering their contrasting ends to the tournament could be difficult, but the approach which the Dutchman set out earlier this month could hold the key towards keeping the camp united.
Speaking to MUTV, Ten Hag unveiled exactly how the Reds are approaching their players' returns from Qatar. "We made the players aware of the fact that after you are out of the World Cup, you have to return to the club and the league immediately goes on," he explained.
"You have to be ready for that [be ready for the league], but I think our players are used to it. Our players are winners, and they are battling now for the World Cup, and in the moment they are out - hopefully one is the winner - they have to deal with that."
Turning attention immediately onto the domestic campaign should be a sound strategy in order to deal with the contrasting emotions of elation and despair. Martinez and Varane have both shown in the past that they are brilliant professionals and not dwelling on the World Cup should hopefully see them continue their impressive form for United heading into a busy festive schedule.
READ NEXT:
