Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has become one of the faces of the club’s revival this season. Now, the Brazilian media are pushing for him to carry that status into the World Cup as well.
Brazilian journalist Fernando Kallás has used a column in O Globo to argue Cunha should start for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti. This would apply even if that leaves Neymar on the bench.
That stance says plenty about how Cunha’s first year at Old Trafford is viewed back home.
Kallás explained that the attacker arrived at Manchester United surrounded by doubts. Despite his impressive spell at Wolves, there were concerns over whether he could maintain that level. This was especially true at a club carrying far more pressure and scrutiny.
According to the journalist, Cunha has answered those concerns emphatically.
“No Brazilian attacking player had a better season this year than Matheus Cunha”, the Kallás stated.
He also wrote that the forward became “one of the pillars of United’s rebirth together with compatriot Casemiro” after helping the club secure third place. This was following last season’s relegation fears.
The article also highlights Cunha’s impact in decisive matches. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all referenced as games where the Brazilian delivered important goals or contributions.
Kallás pointed to the numbers as further proof. Cunha scored 10 league goals this season after netting 15 in the previous campaign with Wolves. None of them were penalties.
For a player operating between midfield and attack, those figures are viewed in Brazil as elite Premier League production. And this has occurred across consecutive seasons.
Neymar debate takes centre stage
Fernando Kallás made the debate around Neymar a central part of the piece.
“This column is about Matheus Cunha, the guy many are suggesting should be benched to make room for Neymar,” he wrote.
The journalist then strongly backed the ‘selfless Manchester United player’ to keep his place in Brazil’s starting side.
“Regardless of who is behind him, Cunha was one of the best players of the season in the best league in the world. Just the idea of him not being in Brazil’s starting team seems like complete madness to me.”
There was also criticism aimed at Neymar’s current physical condition, of course. Kallás wrote that there are “many inconsistencies” around the veteran’s call-up and referenced suggestions he may already be injured again.
Why Cunha fits Ancelotti’s Brazil
Fernando Kallás also explained why he believes Cunha suits Ancelotti’s tactical ideas.
The columnist praised the Manchester United player’s ability to carry the ball under pressure and drive the team forward during difficult moments.
“He is a buffalo doing ant’s work. The engine and the escape valve,” Kallás wrote. “Basically, when the team is under pressure, you give the ball to Cunha and he will do everything possible to carry it 10 to 15 metres closer to the box.”
The comparison then became even more interesting from a Premier League perspective.
Kallás argued Cunha could perform a role similar to the one Jude Bellingham executed for Ancelotti at Real Madrid. He also claimed the Brazilian’s movement could create a ‘perfect combination’ with Vinícius Júnior.
Cunha arrived at Old Trafford with skepticism around both the fee and his ability to thrive at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
One season later, respected voices in Brazil are openly campaigning for him to become undroppable for the national team – ahead of Neymar.
