Manchester United star Matheus Cunha has often been labelled as a ‘maverick’ and the Brazil star is coming into his own at the World Cup tournament this summer.
It is Matheus Cunha’s first time at a major international competition and the 27-year-old Brazilian forward is a focal point of the five-time World Cup champions’ attack.
Carlo Ancelotti has relied on Cunha to step up as the lone forward and the Manchester United ace has netted three times in four World Cup matches so far.
Cunha can sometimes ‘irk’ his opponents for his Neymar-esque bravado on the pitch, but the Brazil forward’s ‘confidence’ should not be conflated with ‘arrogance.’
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Matheus Cunha’s success as a footballer has been defended by the Man Utd and Brazil star’s former coach
Matheus Cunha had a solid debut season at Old Trafford after his high-profile move from Wolves last summer, with the Red Devils ace scoring 10 times for his side.
The Manchester United forward, who picked up four assists in 35 matches as well last season, has impressed Red Devils fans with what he can bring to the table.
However, there is hope that the World Cup with Brazil will only further boost Cunha’s confidence ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign for United.
Cunha has been invaluable for Brazil this summer and there is no ‘ego’ or ‘one-man showmanship’ being exhibited by the former Wolves and Atletico Madrid player.
The Brazil international’s former coach, Jose Sebastiao Xavier de Barros, summed up the Man Utd star’s elite mentality by pointing to the hardships that he overcame.
“Success hasn’t gone to his head,” Barao Xavier told Globo Esporte.
“He used to come and train two or three times a week because of the distance. It was a sacrifice.
“He travelled with me to Switzerland twice. We had to raise money, organise raffles, and sometimes destiny surprises you.”
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Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko become second ever PL trio to score 10+ goals in debut season🔥
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Man Utd and Brazil star Matheus Cunha’s demeanour doesn’t always earn him the praise that he deserves
At face value, it would not surprise many if a pre-conceived notion was made about Cunha and the belief that he would be rather self-centred about himself on the pitch.
However, we’re talking about Cunha here and not a former Man Utd player like Alejandro Garnacho (sorry, not sorry) — and the proof is now in the pudding.
Cunha did not cause drama when he was dropped early in Michael Carrick’s reign and he fought to climb back into the Man Utd starting XI during the 2025-26 season.
The Brazil star’s work ethic also came through by not only tapping into his attacking influence, but also adding his input to the defensive part of United’s performances.
Cunha has shown his worth for Brazil at this summer’s tournament as well, but it still feels like he has more to offer for Carlo Ancelotti’s men in North America.
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