Manchester United will welcome Matheus Cunha back early after Brazil suffered defeat in the World Cup Round of 16.
A past, present and future Manchester United player all featured as Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to Norway and crashed out of the World Cup.
Departing midfielder Casemiro played the full match but was underwhelming in midfield, Matheus Cunha won a penalty early on for Brazil which was missed, and soon-to-be United midfielder Ederson made a late cameo from the bench.
The silver lining for United is that Ederson’s deal should be completed quicker now that he can return to Manchester for a medical, while Cunha will return early for pre-season training, which is set to start on July 9.
Is Matheus Cunha on track to becoming a Brazil legend after being praised by Ronaldo?
Ronaldo sent Cunha a message on social media praising him as Brazil's No.9
Brazil media react to Matheus Cunha and Casemiro
It was an incredibly disappointing night for Brazil, with Cunha and Casemiro distraught after the full-time whistle.
Brazilian media were not shy in mentioning that it was a complete failure for Carlo Ancelotti’s side to only reach the Round of 16 at the World Cup.
Globo gave Matheus Cunha a 3.3 rating and wrote: “He won a penalty in the ninth minute, in a play where he showed speed and good reading of the game.
“He was less involved than in other matches in the Cup, with only seven accurate passes and no shots on goal. He was the first to be substituted, in the 12th minute of the second half.”
As for Casemiro, he got an even worse 2.3 rating out of 10. “He filled the Brazilian penalty area and didn’t make any mistakes with the ball at his feet. At the 40-minute mark, he had a great opportunity, but instead of crossing, he took a powerful shot, sending the ball out of play. He won a penalty at the end. Overall, he didn’t have a good World Cup,” they wrote.
ESPN Brazil gave Casemiro a 4.5 rating and wrote: Another likely farewell to the World Cup, in what was the midfielder’s worst performance. He even had a chance to score this afternoon, but missed the shot inside the area.
As for Cunha, they gave him an improved 5.5 rating and commented: “A rather unremarkable performance from the number 9, whose best moment was winning the penalty that Bruno Guimarães missed in the 13th minute. He was the first to be substituted, replaced by Endrick.“
Which World Cup talent do you want Man United to target this summer?⚡️
Some real standout performers already, but have any convinced you that they should be United targets?
Matheus Cunha can still take confidence from World Cup
It has not been the World Cup that Cunha would have been dreaming of this summer, but there were still positives to his tournament performance.
Cunha was on a hot streak for Brazil in front of goal, scoring three times at the tournament.
In the process, Cunha matched a United record as the joint-top scorer by a Red Devils player in a single World Cup.
Overall, Cunha will be disappointed in Brazil’s tournament, but he should be proud of his individual displays as a centre-forward.
Heading into United’s pre-season schedule, it will be good to have Cunha back early to prepare for 2026/27.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
