Carlo Ancelotti has now shown the elite standards that he expects from Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha for Brazil’s World Cup campaign.
Brazil were in action on Sunday for the first of their two friendly matches ahead of Carlo Ancelotti leading his men to the World Cup tournament in North America.
The five-time World Cup champions thrashed Panama at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, with Casemiro netting for Brazil in the 6-2 victory at the weekend.
Both Matheus Cunha and Casemiro were in the starting XI for Brazil’s match against Panama and the pair saw out the opening 45 minutes at the Maracana.
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Carlo Ancelotti’s assessment of Brazil’s first half should speak volumes for Casemiro and Matheus Cunha ahead of the World Cup
Matheus Cunha put the ball in the back of the Brazil net in the opening 15 minutes, which pulled Panama level against Carlo Ancelotti’s men in Rio de Janeiro.
Casemiro’s impact later in the first half allowed Brazil to restore their lead over Panama at the Maracana before heading into the half-time break on Sunday.
Ancelotti altered his entire starting XI going into the second half and the five-time World Cup champions went full throttle with their performance against Panama.
The Brazil boss praised the overall second-half display from his side, but Ancelotti admitted there was much to be desired about the first-half performance.
“The performance in the second half was important for the team, for the players who came on, who showed quality, showed that they can compete with everyone on the list,” Ancelotti said, as per Yahoo Sports Canada.
“But we have to keep in mind that the opponent dropped the pace, had less intensity and offered more opportunity to show quality. The first half had good things and things to improve.”
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Carlo Ancelotti’s demands will be high on both Casemiro and Matheus Cunha going into Brazil’s World Cup run
Cunha will have high expectations on his shoulders to deliver for Brazil after his successful first season at Manchester United after his 2025 move from Wolves.
The 27-year-old Brazil international has never played at a World Cup, but he has been a key attacking option for Ancelotti since the 2025 South American qualifiers.
Casemiro, on the other hand, is likely heading to his final World Cup tournament and will captain Brazil at the FIFA competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder will be expected to bring his rich Man Utd form to Brazil’s campaign after his resurgence in the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Ancelotti will be expected to use Cunha and Casemiro as regular starters at the World Cup, with his post-Panama feelings showing the standards he will expect.
Cunha and Casemiro will have their final chance to respond to Ancelotti’s telling words in Brazil’s upcoming friendly match against Egypt on Saturday.
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