Brazilian media pick clear winner in Matheus Cunha vs Neymar debate, it’s ‘complete madness’

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Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha finds himself competing with Neymar for a spot in the Brazil squad this summer.

With the 2026 World Cup right around the corner, Matheus Cunha was called up for Brazil after an exciting debut season with Manchester United.

Matheus Cunha has thrived at United, scoring 10 goals in 2025/26 after his £62m move from Wolves.

Despite reports from Brazil that Cunha would be rested for the final few matches of the Premier League season, instead, Cunha was nominated for Player of the Month after starring in the run that secured Champions League qualification.

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Matheus Cunha is competing with Neymar for Brazil spot

In the build-up to the World Cup this summer, Cunha has been in excellent form for Brazil and has become a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

However, Neymar being included in the Brazil squad means the media have been scrambling to figure out how the 34-year-old can be squeezed into the starting XI.

Speaking via O Globo, Fernando Kallas argued it would be “complete madness” if Cunha is removed for Neymar.

“No Brazilian attacking player had a better season this year than Matheus Cunha”, Kallas said.

He added that Cunha has been “one of the pillars of United’s rebirth together with compatriot Casemiro.”

“This column is about Matheus Cunha, the guy many are suggesting should be benched to make room for Neymar.

“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.”

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Matheus Cunha has become a superstar at Man Utd

Cunha is now in a position where he is keeping Neymar out of the Brazil squad despite him being the nation’s top scorer in history.

That is a testament to his performances in a United shirt this season.

READ MORE: Matheus Cunha now shares his ‘biggest’ World Cup dream after Brazil call-up, both Bruno and Martinez respond

Cunha made the step up to play for United, and now he finds himself leading the line for Brazil heading into a World Cup.

Next season, Cunha is being tipped to improve even more, and a strong World Cup campaign this summer will give him a platform to reach a new gear.