Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has made his feelings clear on Matheus Cunha after the Manchester United signing’s performance against Paraguay on Wednesday.
Matheus Cunha signed for Manchester United earlier this month after the Red Devils triggered the £62.5m release clause in the highly rated player’s Wolves contract.
United were linked with Cunha in recent months and the 26-year-old Brazilian attacker had been tipped to leave Premier League side Wolves this summer.
Cunha has inked a five-year deal with United and the Wolves ace is waiting for his visa and registration requirements to be completed ahead of his official move.
Ruben Amorim is a big admirer of the Brazil international and Cunha is expected to play a key role in the United manager’s tactical system at Old Trafford.
Cunha linked up with soon-to-be United teammates Casemiro and Antony this summer after the trio were called up to the Brazil team under Carlo Ancelotti.
Carlo Ancelotti on playing Man Utd signing Matheus Cunha vs Paraguay in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier
Matheus Cunha featured for Brazil in the World Cup qualifier match against Ecuador last Friday after he came off the bench in the second half of the 0-0 draw.
The Wolves ace made his first start under Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti on Wednesday and Cunha set up Vinicius Junior for the opener against Paraguay.
Cunha impressed with his Brazil performance against Paraguay and the Manchester United signing’s assist proved vital in his side sealing a 1-0 win in their qualifier.
The soon-to-be United attacker was deployed behind Vinicius Junior in attack, with Brazil holding on to their 1-0 advantage from the first half after the break.
Following Wednesday’s result at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, Brazil boss Ancelotti explained why Cunha received the start under him against Paraguay.
“The idea was to change the attack a bit,” he said at his post-match press conference, as per Yalla Shoot.
“Martinelli changed his position with Vinicius, and Cunha helped in ball possession in attack.
“Cunha, Martinelli, Raphinha… the team worked in great harmony; Vanderson pressured Paraguay strongly on the right side. They played well, and that is why I am happy.”
Carlo Ancelotti dropped his two cents on Matheus Cunha’s role for Brazil in the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win vs Paraguay
Ancelotti, who left Real Madrid and became Brazil manager in May, highlighted Cunha’s versatility after he chose not to play him as the main striker.
“It is clear that it is a plan we can use, which is the 4-3-3 formation that we also used against Ecuador,” he said.
“We have excellent wings. We can play with three players in midfield. Today, Cunha was not a central striker; he was an attacking midfielder.
“We benefited from the speed of Vinicius, Martinelli, and Raphinha to attack the wings, and Cunha played as a playmaker.
“Against Ecuador, Cunha did not play, while Gerson did. I preferred three players in midfield to add more solidity to the defence.”
Ancelotti’s men punched their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after securing all three qualifying points against Paraguay at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
