Matheus Cunha is set to represent Brazil at this summer’s World Cup and Manchester United fans cannot overlook the significance for the former Wolves star.
Carlo Ancelotti announced his Brazil squad last month and Matheus Cunha was called up alongside outgoing Manchester United teammate Casemiro.
Cunha featured under Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for his country’s recent friendlies against Panama and Egypt ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup this summer.
With Brazil’s World Cup campaign right around the corner now, United In Focus has taken a deep dive into key points around Cunha’s involvement at the tournament.
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1. Matheus Cunha’s first major tournament at international level with Brazil
Matheus Cunha made his debut with Brazil back in 2021 under Tite, but the 27-year-old Brazilian has since missed out on World Cups and Copa Americas.
However, it all changed with Carlo Ancelotti including the former Wolves ace in his 26-man Brazil squad, with Cunha calling it a ‘dream moment’ in his career.
Cunha will play on the biggest stage of all at international level and all eyes will be on how he performs amid the expectations on five-time World Cup champions Brazil.
2. Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics with Matheus Cunha in Brazil’s set-up at the World Cup
Matheus Cunha played in the left-sided No 10 role under Ruben Amorim and on the left wing under Michael Carrick for much of his debut Manchester United season.
However, the Brazil international is versatile — as shown during his Wolves days —and can play in a more central role down the middle of the pitch as well.
Ancelotti spoke about Cunha’s ability to play in different positions during Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers last summer and the Italian could experiment with him again.
3. Will Matheus Cunha’s Man Utd momentum carry over for Brazil at the World Cup?
Matheus Cunha started the 2025-26 campaign slower than expected under former United manager Ruben Amorim before his momentum picked up for his side.
The former Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig player took his time to settle after his stunning 2025 transfer from Wolves, but his attacking influence was ever-present.
Cunha was able to hit double digits in his goalscoring figures in his debut season at United, with the Brazil forward netting 10 times in 35 appearances for Man Utd.
The Brazil forward could build on his momentum going into the tournament after a successful season at Old Trafford and show his attacking flair in its most devastating form.
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4. Man Utd fans might see their first link-up of Matheus Cunha and Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Ederson is set to become Man Utd’s first summer signing and the Red Devils are expected to officially announce the midfielder’s arrival at Old Trafford in July.
The 26-year-old Atalanta star was not included in Brazil’s World Cup squad at first, but Ancelotti was forced to make a U-turn because of an injury to Roma’s Wesley.
Cunha could end up playing with Ederson at the World Cup if the stars align under Ancelotti and United fans will have a closer look at how the pair play together.
5. Brazil’s tournament success could be a major catalyst for Matheus Cunha’s second season at Man Utd
Brazil’s progression at this summer’s World Cup in North America carries its own pros and cons for Cunha ahead of the Red Devils’ 2026-27 campaign.
Cunha could end up missing large periods of United’s pre-season if Brazil reach the final on 19th July and the Red Devils forward has an extended break afterwards.
However, a record-breaking sixth World Cup title win for Ancelotti’s men could be another added confidence boost for Cunha if he plays a key part in the campaign.
United fans will have high expectations of Cunha for the 2026-27 season and a successful World Cup run from Brazil could impact the ex-Wolves star for the better.
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