Brazil icon and World Cup winner Ronaldo believes young forward Endrick is already as good as Manchester United star Matheus Cunha.
Matheus Cunha played just 30 minutes as a substitute in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening group stage game.
Carlo Ancelotti opted to start Brentford’s Igor Thiago ahead of Cunha, but their only goal came from Vinicius Junior to equalise after 32 minutes.
There have been calls for Real Madrid youngster Endrick to play a more prominent role in the team after being an unused substitute against Morocco last weekend.
We have picked our ULTIMATE MAN UTD WORLD CUP XI – Tell us what you would change?
Criteria: They don't need to have been playing for Man Utd at the time of their World Cup heroics
Ronaldo says Endrick is on the same level as Matheus Cunha
Ronaldo is one of – if not the – greatest Brazilian centre-forwards in history.
This means his comments carry weight, but the Real Madrid legend’s verdict on Endrick and Cunha may come as a surprise to United fans.
Endrick recently scored the winning goal against Egypt in a friendly match ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but Ronaldo has urged patience with the 19-year-old.
In an interview with Resenha da Copa, Ronaldo stressed that Endrick is as good as Cunha as well as Thiago.
“I’m sure he’ll get his chance,” Ronaldo said, as quoted by ESPN.
“He’ll get on the pitch at some point, but right now he’s the third option in attack. There’s Igor Thiago, there’s Matheus Cunha, and then there’s him.
“I think he would have come on in the match [against Morocco] if it weren’t for the substitution where, it seems to me, Bruno Guimarães asked to be taken off… That’s an important detail. Because Ancelotti was definitely looking for the win. But look, he’s ready, forget it, he’s ready.
“He’s competing there with other great players. He’s on the same level as Matheus Cunha from Manchester United, and Igor Thiago was one of the top scorers in England, so we’re well served at the moment.”
It seems a bit of a stretch to say Endrick is at the same level as Cunha and Thiago, considering he is currently behind both players in Ancelotti’s attacking pecking order.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Ronaldo believes Brazil and Real Madrid youngster Endrick is on the same level as Matheus Cunha
- Cunha played just 30 minutes as a substitute in Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco in their World Cup opener
- Endrick was an unused substitute against Morocco
Which Manchester United player will have the most successful World Cup 2026?
Who are you most excited to watch?
Matheus Cunha shares verdict on first season at Man Utd
Cunha sat down with AS in the US at the World Cup to answer questions about his first season at Old Trafford and competing with Brazil this summer.
United’s No.10 believes it was a positive season for the club after securing Champions League qualification.
“When I decided to accept the United project, I was already aware of the club’s stature and everything surrounding it,” Cunha said.
“I believe it has been a positive season for the club. We have managed to get United back into the Champions League, and we hope to continue on this upward trajectory next season. We have a lot of confidence in our work.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
