- Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha shuts down rumour
- Bizarre ESPN report
- How important Brazilian has been
Manchester United forward Mathues Cunha has shut down a bizarre report from ESPN Brazil that claimed the Brazilian would miss the final three games of the season as a favour to the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Cunha has massively impressed this season. Whilst it took the Brazilian time to find his rhythm, since December, he has delivered some of the most decisive moments of the campaign.
His opening goal against Liverpool at the weekend set United on course for their first league double over their rivals in a decade. Cunha played a crucial role, particularly given his recent return from a hip injury.
That injury ruled him out of the fixture against Brentford, but United still got the job done, securing a 2-1 victory.
Across their past three games, United have beaten three of their biggest Champions League competitors—Chelsea included—and have secured qualification for Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2023.
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Cunha Laughs Off Report
According to ESPN Brazil, an “agreement” exists between the Brazilian national team and Manchester United to rest Cunha across the next three Premier League fixtures, ensuring he arrives at the World Cup fully fit.
The report adds that despite being available, his minutes should be managed carefully to avoid unnecessary strain.
Cunha, however, appeared unaware of any such arrangement, posting a photo on his Instagram story captioned “what” alongside a laughing emoji.
Whilst resting, Cunha may suit Brazil; Manchester United holds little incentive to prioritise the interests of a national side with no direct affiliation.
Even if England made a similar request, United would be highly unlikely to comply without gaining something in return.
Brazil’s first World Cup fixture will come against Morocco in the sixth game of the tournament, as Cunha and Casemiro prepare to face Noussair Mazraoui.
Also in their group are Haiti and Scotland, with former United midfielder Scott McTominay aiming to guide his nation into the knockout stages for the first time.
Cunha’s Importance
Throughout the season, Cunha has established himself as a vital figure within the United squad, consistently delivering in key moments.
For a player who required eight league games to open his account, his influence in front of goal has grown, making it impossible to ignore.
The fourth goal in United’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, the winner in the 3-2 victory over Arsenal, the solitary strike in the 1-0 win against Chelsea, and now the opener in the 3-2 triumph over Liverpool.
His effort against Liverpool may have deflected off Alexis Mac Allister, but it still found its way into the net, giving United a crucial advantage in a defining match.
This will mark the fourth time he has featured in the Champions League, having appeared once for RB Leipzig and twice for Atletico Madrid.
Cunha and his teammates will aim to reach the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since the 2021/22 season, when his former side Atletico Madrid defeated United 2-1 on aggregate.
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